Successful management of an intracranial arteriovenous malformation by conventional irradiation.

The reduction of an intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) by conventional radiation therapy is described in a patient who refused surgery. The 2-year follow-up angiogram documented nearly complete obliteration of the nidus of the AVM, accompanied by progressive narrowing of the arteries supplying the lesion. The scanty literature dealing with this form of treatment is summarized.