Extremity arteriovenous malformations: review of a series.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the diagnosis and treatment of arteriovenous malformations in adults, because of the tendency of the condition to recur.

DESIGN

Chart and literature review.

SETTING

Three tertiary-care hospitals.

PATIENTS

Twelve adults with diffuse arteriovenous malformations of the extremities.

INTERVENTIONS

Surgery of embolotherapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Recurrence.

RESULTS

Of the 12 cases reviewed, the arteriovenous malformations recurred in 8 patients; 2 of these were well, 6 months and 2 years after a second or third treatment. Two others were well, 2 months and 5 years after surgery or embolotherapy. One pregnant woman, whose case is described in detail, received no treatment, and her arteriovenous malformation diminished in size after her child was born. The outcome in the last patient is unknown.

CONCLUSION

Diffuse arteriovenous malformations recur after ablative treatment.