Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation Recurrence After Complete Surgical Excision in an Adult: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Angiographically confirmed complete surgical excision of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) is conventionally considered curative. Recurrence in adults is rarely encountered; only 18 cases have been reported in the English literature over the past 30 years. The potential for recurrence and consequent need for routine long-term follow-up are important considerations in the management of these lesions. We report a case of a 23-year-old female with a recurrent bAVM discovered incidentally on routine imaging three years after complete surgical excision. We review the existing literature and discuss the options for surveillance and management.