Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM): Understanding the Risks and Treatments
By Prof. Dr S. Prathap Kumar
Best Vascular Surgeon in Chennai, India
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal tangles of blood vessels that connect arteries and veins directly, bypassing the network of capillaries. This can disrupt normal blood flow and oxygen circulation, potentially leading to serious health problems. This blog post will explore AVMs, their impact on the body, treatment options, and crucial warning signs.
What is an AVM?
Normally, arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body's tissues, and veins carry oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. Capillaries, tiny vessels between arteries and veins, play a vital role in delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues. In an AVM, this crucial capillary network is missing. This means blood flows directly from arteries to veins, resulting in high-pressure blood entering the veins, which are not designed to handle such pressure.
AVMs can occur in various parts of the body, including the brain, lungs, liver, and limbs. Brain AVMs are particularly concerning due to the risk of bleeding and damage to brain tissue.
How it Affects Circulation and Organ Function
- Reduced oxygen supply: Blood bypasses the capillaries, preventing tissues from receiving the necessary oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to tissue damage or dysfunction.
- Increased strain on the heart: The high-pressure blood flow in AVMs can put extra strain on the heart, potentially leading to heart failure in severe cases.
- Bleeding: The weakened walls of the tangled blood vessels in an AVM are prone to rupture, causing bleeding. This can be particularly dangerous in the brain, leading to stroke or other neurological problems.
- Compression: Large AVMs can compress surrounding tissues or organs, causing pain, swelling, or other symptoms.
AVMs can affect circulation and organ function in several ways:
How Glue Embolization Works to Treat AVMs
Glue embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat AVMs. It's performed by interventional radiologists who specialize in image-guided procedures.
- A thin catheter is inserted into an artery, usually in the groin.
- The catheter is guided to the AVM.
- A special liquid embolic agent, often referred to as "glue," is injected through the catheter into the AVM.
- The glue fills the abnormal tangle of vessels, effectively blocking blood flow through the AVM.
During glue embolization:
Glue embolization is a preferred treatment option because it's less invasive than traditional surgery, resulting in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times.
Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention
- Headaches: Persistent or severe headaches, especially if they are unusual or accompanied by other symptoms.
- Seizures: Unexplained seizures can be a sign of a brain AVM.
- Nausea and vomiting: Especially if accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
- Vision changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision.
- Weakness or numbness: In the limbs or face.
- Speech problems: Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
AVMs can sometimes be asymptomatic, meaning they don't cause any noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the location and size of the AVM. Some general symptoms include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are sudden or severe, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a ruptured AVM, which is a medical emergency.
AVMs can pose significant health risks, but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the outcomes can be significantly improved. If you have any risk factors for AVMs or experience any concerning symptoms, consult with your doctor for evaluation and treatment options.