Prevalence of serological markers of autoimmunity in hemodialysis patients with hepatitis C virus

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation can occur in up to 25% of patients after a classic Glenn shunt. Although unproven, exclusion of hepatic venous blood from the lungs has been proposed as a possible cause. We present a patient born with anomalous hepatic venous drainage into the left atrium with an intact atrial septum in whom pulmonary arteriovenous malformation developed in childhood. This was reversed after diversion of the hepatic venous drainage to the right atrium, supporting exclusion of hepatic venous flow as the cause of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. The association with the hepatopulmonary syndrome is discussed.     

Recurrent and unexpected segregation of the FMR1 CGG repeat in a family with fragile X syndrome

STUDY DESIGN: This case report details intraoperative evoked potential changes during surgical removal of a T8 dural arteriovenous malformation. OBJECTIVES: The pattern of changes in somatosensory-evoked responses during surgical correction of spinal dural at arteriovenous malformation can illuminate the pathophysiologic process behind the clinical symptoms. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Arteriovenous malformation of the spinal dura can manifest with multiple symptoms, including progressive myelopathy and pain. The pathophysiologic process behind these symptoms could be either direct compression of the spinal cord by the arteriovenous malformation, ischemia resulting from the cord, or increased venous pressure. METHODS: To investigate these hypotheses further, the results of posterior tibial evoked potentials obtained during surgical removal of a T8 dural arteriovenous malformation were analyzed. RESULTS: At baseline, the cortical (P40) potential was markedly prolonged bilaterally. During surgery, just after the dura was opened, a marked increase was observed in the latencies of the P40 and P60 components of the evoked response on the right, which began to resolve as soon as the arteriovenous malformation was occluded. Only minimal changes were seen on the left. CONCLUSIONS: These results are most consistent with the increased venous pressure hypothesis for the pathogenesis of neurologic symptoms in dural arteriovenous malformations.     

Dura arteriovenous malformation of the posterior fossa-clinical and angiographical analysis of 6 cases

Dural arteriovenous malformation of the posterior fossa was infrequently reported in the literatures. We presented 6 cases of dural arteriovenous malformation of the posterior fossa with the presentation of typical examples. Up to the end February, 1974, 119 cases of intracranial arteriovenous malformation were experienced in our clinic, in which there were 6 cases of dural arteriovenous malformation. The ages of our series ranged from 41 to 75 years old and 57 years old in average. Tinnitus and headache were two main symptoms which developed in most of the cases. As for the older symptoms, visual disturbance was seen in 4 cases, unilateral pulsating exophthalmos in 1 case and papilledema in 3 cases. There wers two cases which progressive dementia was developed by the cerebral anoxia due to arteriovenous shung. On examination, a pulsatile bruit was audible at the mastoid region in all cases and a thrill could be palpated along the occipital arteries. Many kinds of durl and/or tentorial arteries which were drained directly into the sinuses at the occipital portion as the feeding arteries were visualized angiographically. Moreover, the angiographical patterns of feeding arteries into the sinuses showed dynamic changes after the operation. As for the treatments, many kinds of surgery were carried out for the cases by the combination method of the next 6 ways. 1. ligation of external carotid artery 2. ablation of periosteum from occipital bone 3. occipital and/or suboccipital craniectomy 4. clipping of almost of all feeding arteries at dura mater and tentorium 5. ligation of threocervical trunk 6. ventriculo-atrial shunt or ventriculo-peritoneal shunt From our experiences, the most effective treatment is thought to be a direct closure of intradural arteriovenous shunt near the sinus at the occipital portion in the early stage.     

Successful repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection and incomplete endocardial cushion defect associated with left isomerism

Successful repair of a 8-month-old girl with polysplenia was reported. The cardiovascular anomalies were TAPVC (II b), incomplete ECD, interruption of inferior vena cava with hemiazygos continuation, bilateral superior vena cava, and left superior vena cava draining into the coronary sinus. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established with ascending aortic perfusion and caval cannulation. A left superior vena cava was directly cannulated after establishing partial bypass. In this case the left pulmonary vein drained into the right atrium near the orifice of the coronary sinus, so the atrial septal flap was made and sutured between the orifice of the left pulmonary vein and the coronary sinus in order to avoid late pulmonary vein obstruction. Then, atrium was separated by an intraatrial baffle which was sutured to the atrial septal flap. Recently, it becomes possible to surgical repair of polysplenia syndrome according to the advancements of the diagnostic methods, cardiopulmonary bypass, and the technique of the open heart surgery.     

Aneurysms related to cerebral arteriovenous malformations: superselective angiographic assessment in 58 patients

PURPOSE: To report the comprehensive superselective angiographic characteristics of aneurysms associated with cerebral arteriovenous malformations. METHOD: One hundred consecutive patients referred for cerebral arteriovenous malformation embolization underwent preembolization superselective angiography. Superselective angiograms were obtained after microcatheterization of arteriovenous malformation pedicles, and assessed for number and location of aneurysms related to the malformation. A chi 2 test was conducted to correlate these parameters with the onset of intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: Aneurysms were demonstrated in 58 of 100 patients. Single aneurysms were found in 24 patients and multiple aneurysms in 34. Presence and number of aneurysms were found to correlate significantly with a clinical presentation of hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Superselective angiography was found to be of paramount importance in elucidating the precise and detailed angioarchitecture of brain arteriovenous malformations.     

Sleep apnoea: a therapeutic target in congestive heart failure

Most arteriovenous malformations usually arise from pre-existing named vessels. We report an unusual variant of an arteriovenous malformation. An 18-year-old man presented with a painful swelling of the right forearm. Arteriograms suggested branches of the anterior interosseous artery were feeding the malformation. Operative findings however, revealed the presence of a persistent median artery, which was contributing branches to the swelling.     

Subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to spinal arteriovenous malformation and aneurysm. Report of a case and review of the literature

A patient with recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage was seen initially with intermittent signs and symptoms of intracranial and spinal cord dysfunction. Myelography and spinal angiography revealed an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and aneurysm of the spinal cord. Extensive investigation failed to reveal any intracranial lesion. The relationship of subarachnoid hemorrhage at a spinal level to the development of remote neurological abnormalities is discussed, and previous reports of aneurysms associated with spinal AVM are reviewed.     

Sleep deprivation in the treatment of depression

A case of spinal cord arteriovenous malformation was reported, in whom serial selective spinal angiogram and pantopaque myelogram showed a successful demonstration of intramedullary nidus. A 25-year-old male was admitted with paraparesis, impotence, hypesthesia and hypalgesia in his legs in 1974. He was diagnosed to have a spinal cord arteriovenous malformation of so-called "glomus type" with intramedullary nidus by the selective spinal angiogram and pantopaque myelogram. The nidus was fed by the anterior spinal artery through the 8th intercostal artery, from which a major draining vein extended caudally, but there was also some cranial drainage. The arteriovenous malformation was treated by surgical excision combined with afferent vessels coagulation in order to prevent the rupture of the remaining intramedullary nidus. After operation the patient develop a transient analgesia and girdle pain at T9-10 level, but after 42 days he regained full muscle power in his legs and could run by himself, while sensory disturbance remained about the same as before surgery.     

Arteriovenous malformation: a 22-year angiographic follow-up

A case is reported of an unoperated giant arteriovenous malformation with a progressive deterioration ending in a severe dementia and invalidism. Angiographic documentation is over a 22 year interval. The presentation, diagnosis and treatment of this disease are discussed. It is concluded that early surgical intervention should have a primary role in the management of giant arteriovenous malformation.     

Intraventricular hemorrhage in adults

A series of 54 adult patients with intraventricular hemorrhage diagnosed by computed tomography (CT scan) is described. Hypertension, arterial aneurysm, and arteriovenous malformation (AVM) accounted for 83% of the cases. Three categories of clinical presentation are defined. CT scan reliably demonstrated the presence and distribution of blood within the ventricular system, including the third and fourth ventricles. The increased density caused by intraventricular blood was seen to disappear in 12 days. An intracerebral hematoma was identified in 78% of cases. Surgical treatment was beneficial in only a small number of cases.     

Arteriovenous malformation of the rectum: report of a case

We report herein the case of a 38-year-old man found to have a rectal arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The patient was admitted to our hospital for investigation of fresh anal bleeding and general malaise. Barium-enema examination showed a slightly elevated lesion in the rectum, and a selective superior rectal angiogram subsequently revealed an AVM in the peripheral region of the superior rectal artery, which was presumed to be the cause of the anal bleeding. Colonoscopic examination disclosed a submucosal tumor-like lesion in the left posterior wall of the rectum, 3cm above the anal verge. After marking the boundaries by clipping, transanal resection of the lesion was performed. Histological examination revealed an irregularly expanded arteriovenous aggregation in the submucosal layer. The patient had a favorable postoperative course, and no residual AVM was seen on a postoperative selective inferior mesenteric arteriogram. There have been no signs of recurrence in the 2 years since his operation.     

Coexistence of schizencephaly and intracranial arteriovenous malformation in an infant

A 9-month-old infant had unilateral closed-lip schizencephaly in the right parietal lobe, which coexisted with an arteriovenous malformation in the nearby temporal area. Cranial MR showed a right parietal cleft lined with gray matter between the right lateral ventricle and the subarachnoid space, and cluster hypointensities throughout the right temporal lobe. Cerebral angiography revealed a right temporal arteriovenous malformation with feeding arteries arising from the right middle and posterior cerebral arteries and draining into the right sigmoid sinus via the engorged vein of Labbé.     

An unusual cause of apparent regional hyperperfusion on radionuclide cerebral angiography study: case report

An unusual pattern of radioactivity in the venous phase was noted in the 99mTc-DTPA cerebral angiogram of a patient with persistent headaches. Initially the possibility of a small arteriovenous malformation with large draining veins was considered. However, contrast angiography revealed dilated cerebral veins with significant arteriovenous shunting. The differential diagnosis of regional hyperperfusion on the radioactivity study is discussed.     

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula with cerebral arteriovenous malformation without hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Unusual case report and literature review

An unusual and rare case of a central pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) with concomitant cerebral arteriovenous malformation (CAVM) in the absence of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is reported. Presentation was in the form of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Clinical presentations and management strategies of PAVF with associated CAVM are broadly discussed along with a pertinent literature review.     

Radiosurgery of cerebral arteriovenous malformations with a linear accelerator: preliminary report

The authors present the results obtained in seven patients with arteriovenous malformations treated with radiosurgery on a linear accelerator. In four patients obliteration of the malformation was obtained after one year. Two of the patients had a transient period of acute brain oedema surrounding the radionecrotic nidus with neurological signs. The present position of radiosurgery in the treatment of arteriovenous malformations is discussed.     

Neuropsychological features of dementia due to dural arteriovenous malformation

We report two patients aged 65 and 61 years, who presented a subacute dementia with normal CT scan without contrast injection. Angiography showed a dural arteriovenous malformation. The patients improved dramatically with treatment of the malformation. Dementia was characterised by frontal dysfunction, emotional disorders, amnesic and praxic impairment. This neuropsychological pattern suggests a profile of global dementia in the field of vascular dementia.     

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage first from an intracranial and then from a spinal arteriovenous malformation. Case report

A patient presented with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which was later totally removed at surgery. The patient presented again with a new SAH from a spinal AVM that was also totally removed at surgery. Coexistence of spinal and cerebral arteriovenous malformations are exceedingly rare and hemorrhage from each is not previously reported. This case emphasizes the importance of investigating the spinal canal in otherwise unexplained spontaneous SAH.     

Arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck: natural history and management

This is a retrospective review of 81 patients with extracranial arteriovenous malformation of the head and neck who presented to the Vascular Anomalies Program in Boston over the last 20 years. This study focused on the natural history and effectiveness of treatment. The male to female ratio was 1:1.5. Arteriovenous malformations occur in anatomic patterns. Sixty-nine percent occurred in the midface, 14 percent in the upper third of the face, and 17 percent in the lower third. The most common sites were cheek (31 percent), ear (16 percent), nose (11 percent), and forehead (10 percent). A vascular anomaly was apparent at birth in 59 percent of patients (82 percent in men, 44 percent in women). Ten percent of patients noted onset in childhood, 10 percent in adolescence, and 21 percent in adulthood. Eight patients first noted the malformation at puberty, and six others experienced exacerbation during puberty. Fifteen women noted appearance or expansion of the malformation during pregnancy. Bony involvement occurred in 22 patients, most commonly in the maxilla and mandible. In seven patients, the bone was the primary site; in 15 other patients, the bone was involved secondarily. Arteriovenous malformations were categorized according to Schobinger clinical staging: 27 percent in stage I (quiescence), 38 percent in stage II (expansion), and 38 percent in stage III (destruction). There was a single patient with stage IV malformation (decompensation). Stage I lesions remained stable for long periods. Expansion (stage II) was usually followed by pain, bleeding, and ulceration (stage III). Once present, these symptoms and signs inevitably progressed until the malformation was resected. Resection margins were best determined intraoperatively by the bleeding pattern of the incised tissue and by Doppler. Subtotal excision or proximal ligation frequently resulted in rapid progression of the arteriovenous malformation. The overall cure rate was 60 percent, defined as radiographic absence of arteriovenous malformation. Cure rate for small malformations was 69 percent with excision only and 62 percent for extensive malformations with combined embolization-resection. The cure rate was 75 percent for stage I, 67 percent for stage II, and 48 percent for stage III malformations. Outcome was not affected significantly by age at treatment, sex, Schobinger stage, or treatment method. Mean follow-up was 4.6 years.     

Mental health assessment for older people

Marked arteriovenous malformation in the left parietooccipital area manifested only by symptoms of associative migraine involving changes of visual fields indicative of impaired functions of symmetrical compartments of the other brain hemisphere. Visual evoked potentials were changed in this patient because of dysfunction of both hemispheres and largely because of disorders in brain structures symmetrical to the site of arteriovenous malformation. This can be regarded as a manifestation of the so-called stealing phenomenon, when blood supply to one brain compartment is decreased because of excessive blood delivery to other regions of the brain. The results permit us to hypothesize regulation of blood supply to symmetrical compartments of brain hemispheres.     

The clinico-neuropsychological manifestations of arteriovenous malformations of the thalamus

A comprehensive clinical and neuropsychological study was made of 34 patients with thalamic arteriovenous malformations. In the thalamus. Memory disorders were a common abnormality (in 31 of 34 patients). They were modally nonspecific and depended on the site of arteriovenous malformations. With the prevalent ventricular pattern of hemorrhages, memory disorders were accompanied by disorientation and emotional and volitional impairments. Arteriovenous malformation was removed in 12 patients (on the left side in 7 patients and on the right in 5). After surgery there was virtually progression of memory defects in all patients. Speech disorders combining the specific features of lesions in various cortical regions were detected in 5 of 7 patients with left thalamic arteriovenous malformations.