| This
is an abnormal collection of blood vessels where the arteries rapidly
shunt blood into the veins, without an intervening capillary bed.
The majority of arteriovenous malformations are discovered before
the age of 40. They typically present with hemorrhage and seizures.
The mortality rate from a hemorrhage is 10%, and morbidity (neurological
deficit) rate is 30-50%. Arteries occur on arteries feeding
the avm in about 5% of cases. AVM's are graded on the Spetzler-Martin
grading system, and are graded 1-5. |
Glossary 
