Spontaneous Regression Of A Dural Arteriovenous Malformation
Neurosurgery 12(6): June 1983; 687-690
View Original Source →Abstract
A cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) spontaneously and completely disappeared on subsequent angiography. Computed tomography revealed a very similar picture to that of angiographically occult AVM, which was histologically thrombotic. Reviewing the literature, we suggest that in many cases the important factor related to regression of AVM is a previous bleeding episode.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
50-year-old man, laborer
Clinical Characteristics
48-hour history of headache of abrupt onset, vomiting, pulsating noise in the left side of his head, moderate neck stiffness, loud bruit over the left temporal region, slightly full and questionably arterialized left retinal veins, curvilinear fracture involving the left parietal bone, elevation of the m-1 segment of the left middle cerebral artery and medial and superior displacement of the sylvian branches, small left anterior temporal lobe hematoma with surrounding edema
Remission Characteristics
Angiographically confirmed spontaneous regression of the avm, no vascular malformation nor any other intracranial abnormality in repeat angiography
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
A possible mechanism of spontaneous closure of the avm is offered.
Clinical Treatment
Cerebral angiography, cranial computed tomographic (CT) scan, repeat angiography
Non-Clinical Treatment
Conservative management
Additional Notes
The patient was discharged home 2 weeks after admission. The patient was free of symptoms and has remained so for the 18 months since.