Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) is a complex and intertwined network of poorly formed blood vessels (arteries and veins) that can occur in the brain, spinal cord or other parts of the body. AVM disrupts the normal blood flow in the affected region, causing oxygen deprivation in the surrounding tissues and weakening of blood vessels. Brain AVM is very rare and occur in less than 1% of the general population. Many patients with brain AVM may not display any signs or symptoms until the AVM ruptures, resulting in an intracranial hemorrhage. Brain AVM can lead to serious neurological problems such as paralysis, memory loss, vision loss or even death in some cases.
There are three main imaging techniques that are used to diagnose AVMs: cerebral angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerized tomography (CT scan). Treatment options for AVMs include surgery and radiation. Medications may also be used to treat related symptoms such as headaches and seizures.
Polymorphisms in the IL6 gene have been associated with brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVM).