Pediatric arteriovenous malformation: University of Toronto experience using stereotactic radiosurgery

Childs Nerv Syst. 2007 Feb;23(2):195-9. doi: 10.1007/s00381-006-0207-3. Epub 2006 Nov 18.

Abstract

Introduction and background: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular lesions of the brain, which behave differently in pediatric population compared to adults. Treatment of pediatric AVMs includes a combination of microsurgery, embolization and radiation therapies. However, the role of radiosurgery in the treatment of pediatric AVMs is not fully accepted because of concerns regarding the long-term effects of radiation on the pediatric brain.

Discussion: In this study, we review our experience at the University of Toronto with treating pediatric AVMs using linear accelerator-based (LINAC) radiosurgery over the past 15 years. We report our results, obliteration rates, and complications on a total of 40 patients. In addition, we provide a review of series published to date combined with our own results to determine whether radiosurgery is a safe and reasonable treatment modality for pediatric AVMs.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arteriovenous Malformations / surgery*
  • Canada
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hospitals, University*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microsurgery
  • Pediatrics*
  • Radiosurgery / methods*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome