Arteriovenous Malformations of the Brain

See related article, pages 878–885. Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) represent a heterogeneous entity, and a multitude of classifications for this rare disorder exists. Moreover, data on different treatment regimens are controversial.1In this issue of Stroke , Lasjaunias et al2 present a group of vascular malformations which they consider a distinct entity separate from other brain AVM and classify them as cerebral proliferative angiopathy. Criteria for this classification were predefined almost 20 years ago and included angiomorphological, cross-sectional imaging and in one case also histopathological data. In a large patient cohort of >1400 patients 49 patients (3.4%) were found to meet these criteria. Clinical signs included seizures, headaches and nonhemorrhagic neurological deficits. Angiography demonstrated a diffuse nidus, stenosis of the proximal arteries in almost 40% and a transdural supply in almost 60% of the cases. This angiographic appearance was considered as …