Assessment of efficacy of endovascular embolization for central arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in the jaw.

OBJECTIVE

To study the angiographic properties of central AVMs in the jaw, and to investigate the efficacy of embolization of them.

METHODS

Eleven cases of central AVMs underwent angiography and embolization, nine cases experienced surgery after embolization, and the other two cases were embolized alone; all these cases were followed up after treatment. The angiographic features and embolization results were analyzed.

RESULTS

Large venous pouches were angiographically opacified in 9 of 11 AVMs. Of the nine operated cases, curettage was safely performed. The intraoperative bleeding was evidently decreased, and the continuity of the jaw was preserved. Five of these operated cases were free of recurrence during 18 - 27 months in follow-up. The two cases embolized alone were free of recurrence during 24 months' follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Via arterial and venous approaches, embolization could greatly decrease the intraoperative bleeding and thus help to preserve the continuity and potentiality of development of the jaw for intraosseous AVMs, moreover, it may be curative in some cases.