Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) account for <3% of vascular anomalies. This study aims to present the 10-year experience of a German vascular anomaly center (VAC) with AVMs and evaluate diagnostic imaging for treatment-relevant information for minimally invasive therapy planning.
A retrospective study including patients from the VAC database with AVMs was conducted. Clinical information from patients' records was evaluated. An additional image reading analysis of the available diagnostic imaging using a 4-point Likert scale, focusing on relevant points for minimally invasive treatment planning, was conducted in 13 patients who had all three magnetic resonance tomography (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and conventional angiography available.
Between April 2014 and March 2024, 60 patients (60% female, 40% male; 12% Parkes Weber syndrome) with AVMs presented to the VAC. The median age was 36 years (range: 11–78 years). Referral diagnosis was correct in 73.3% of cases. The mean distance to the VAC was 102.5 km (±111.0). The most common locations involved the hand (32%), lower extremity (22%), and pelvis (22%). The most common symptoms were pain (81%), pulsation (64%), and local hyperthermia (62%). Necrosis was significantly more common when the AVM was located in the hand (
Our 10-year experience showed that in patients with AVMs, the correct diagnosis is often made before admission to a specialized VAC. Diagnostic imaging is essential for endovascular treatment planning, with conventional angiography showing superior utility in image quality, NIDUS evaluation, and therapy planning compared to other modalities.