Disfiguring high-flow cervicofacial arteriovenous malformations

Abstract

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular anomalies resulting from defects in angiogenesis. Approximately 40% of AVMs go undetected after birth and only experience the delayed clinical onset of symptoms in adulthood. AVMs are rare, representing only 1.5% of all vascular anomalies. The most common sites for the aberrant vascular nidus are the oral cavity and maxillofacial region, which represent 50% of the cases. AVMs are the most challenging and life-threatening form of vascular malformation. Exsanguination, thrombus detachment and embolization are the most hazardous operative risks. Small case series revealed a 75% recurrence rate during a 5-year follow-up, which adds another layer of complexity to their management. Large lesions in the head and neck cause deformation to the patient and present a challenge to the surgeon during their excision among vital structures and reconstruction of the 3D complex defects.