AVM-7yo w/bleed

    
      Re: AVM-7yo w/bleed
    


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Posted by CCF NEUROSURGERY MD on August 21, 1997 at 15:40:52:

In Reply to: AVM-7yo w/bleed posted by Deanna Hough on August 20, 1997 at 21:17:17:

: My 7 y.o. son was diagnosed w/AVM after CT showed extensive bleed and a bolt was inserted to relieve the pressure.  Subsequent CT & MRIs (w/ & w/o contrast) found the fluid levels were maintaining, however the AVM was determined inoperable.  Would your facility be willing to review his case files to determine if you can provide any treatment to remove the AVM.  Diagnosis was on 8/5/97, purely by luck.  No apparent brain damage.  AVM located near right frontal lobe (close to speech center).  My son, Erik, was released from Children's Medical Center of NW OH on 8/17/97 pending a review by UofM's neurology dept, however they keep delaying any review while our son continues to have headaches daily and we are nervous wrecks!  Please help.  Thank you for your consideration.
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Dear Deanna,
AVM's are rare abnormal connections between arteries and veins.  They can cause
neurological problems in a few ways: hemorrhage, seizures, mass effect, and
the 'steal' phenomena.  Steal is where the flow of blood through the
malformation literally steals blood from the brain tissue it should supply.
AVM's may be treated with surgery, endovascular therapies, radiation, and
observation alone.  The concern for further neurologic deficits is greater
when there is a history of hemorrhage, as in your son's case.
Your son may have a treatable condition.  Decisions on the most appropriate
course of action depend on the size, location, vascular anatomy, age of the
patient and presenting symptoms.  If this is indeed a right frontal AVM, it
may be treatable, and a second opinion is an excellent idea.  
The Cleveland Clinic would be happy to assist if you so desire.  An appointment
with a neurosurgeon can be made by calling the Neurosurgery desk at
216-444-5672 during normal working hours.  You should bring any films done
at outside hospitals (angiograms, MRI's, and CT scans) and a copy of your
son's medical records, as these are invaluable in assessing the situation and
determining the best course of action.
We hope to see you soon.  Good luck.