Clinical course of arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck: A case series
This article was presented at the AAO–HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO 2008, Chicago, IL, September 21-24, 2008.
Received 17 September 2009; received in revised form 27 September 2009; accepted 19 October 2009.
Abstract
Objective
To demonstrate, in a case series, the relentless growth of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the head and neck and the importance of their vigilant management within the context of a modified staging system.
Study Design
Retrospective review.
Setting
Tertiary care institution, Vascular Anomalies Center.
Subjects and Methods
Subjects were patients with advanced AVMs presenting to our Vascular Anomalies Center. Medical records were examined for age at first diagnosis, disease course, prior treatments, age at presentation, management, therapeutic outcomes, stage of disease, and impact on quality of life. Early patient photographs were evaluated.
Results
Ten patients (ages 13-46 yrs) with extensive cervicofacial AVMs were examined. Progressive growth, worsening symptoms, and graduated disease stage were universally experienced by each patient, as evident by serial photographs, over a course of many years. Each patient presented to our institution with massive lesions, bleeding, pain, and facial destruction. Prior embolization and/or surgery had been performed in all but one patient. Every patient had been previously told that their AVMs were incurable or that treatment options were exhausted. The patients were subsequently treated at our institution with surgical resection with or without preoperative embolization. Disease control, symptom improvement, and enhanced daily functioning were attained in each patient.
Conclusion
The natural course of AVMs is progressive, invasive, and destructive. Vigilant observation, early treatment, and radical therapy are necessary for AVMs of the head and neck.
Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR
Corresponding author: Gresham T. Richter, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Way, S3109, Little Rock, AR 72207
No sponsorships or competing interests have been disclosed for this article.
ABSTRACT