[Gamma knife treatment of AVM of the basal ganglia and thalamus].

Arteriovenous malformatios (AVMs) in the basal ganglia (BG) and thalamus (Thal) are difficult to treat by microsurgery or intravascular embolization alone, and the role of stereotactic gamma radiosurgery (gamma knife) of these AVMs is discussed. We have treated 324 cases of AVM with gamma knife since May 1991, and in 71 of these cases (19%) the AVM was in the BG or Thal. The results of gamma radiosurgery on AVMs of the BG and Thal were compared with the results of treating AVMs at other intracranial locations by gamma radiosurgery. The nidi were small (mean diameter: 16.4 mm), and they were treated with a mean maximum dose of 36.4 Gy and marginal dose of 19.9 Gy. The results were evaluated angiographically in 39 (55%) of the 71 cases, with a mean follow-up period of 23 months. The complete obliteration rate of AVMs in the BG and Thal 1 and 2 years after treatment was 54.3% and 92.0%, respectively, and the rate at the other locations was 42.9% and 76.0%, respectively. Adverse effects of this treatment in the AVM cases overall were rebleeding from the nidus in 5 cases (1.5%) and radiation necrosis in 4 cases (1.2%). In conclusion, AVMs of the BG and Thal were effectively and safely treated with the gamma knife, and stereotactic radiosurgery is a definitive alternative treatment for deep seated AVMs.