Diagnosis and endovascular management of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations

Br J Radiol. 2021 Jul 1;94(1123):20200695. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20200695. Epub 2021 May 26.

Abstract

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) are abnormal communication of a branch of the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein circumventing the intervening pulmonary capillaries. This results in a right-to-left (R-L) shunt and its related manifestations, which include hampered gas exchange leading to hypoxaemia, dyspnoea, paradoxical emboli leading to stroke, cerebral abscess, myocardial infarction and pulmonary haemorrhage due to rupture of the PAVM. Endovascular transcatheter embolization of the feeding vessels with coils or occlusion devices is the current standard care of treatment and preferred treatment modality. The articles aim to provide insights into the current trends in diagnosis, the current recommendations, approach and management options for patients with PAVM.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arteriovenous Malformations / diagnostic imaging*
  • Arteriovenous Malformations / therapy*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic
  • Endovascular Procedures*
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Artery / abnormalities*
  • Pulmonary Veins / abnormalities*