Imaging Characteristics of Arteriovenous Malformations and Cavernomas: A Clinical and Radiographic Overview

This PowerPoint presentation by Dagnaw explores the imaging features of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and cavernomas (CCMs), detailing their subtypes, epidemiology, clinical presentations, and radiographic characteristics. AVMs, complex vascular networks with feeding arteries, a central nidus, and draining veins, primarily supratentorial (85%), present with hemorrhage (30–82%), seizures, or neurological deficits. Imaging shows a "bag of worms" on NECT, serpentine enhancement on CECT, and flow voids on MRI. A case of a 43-year-old man with headache, hemiparesis, and aphasia illustrates a small AVM on CT and DSA. Cavernomas, hamartomatous vascular collections, have an incidence of 0.15–0.56/100,000, often asymptomatic but may cause seizures or hemorrhage, particularly in infratentorial lesions. MRI is the preferred modality, revealing a "popcorn" appearance with hemosiderin rims, classified by Zabramski types I–IV based on hemorrhage age. Treatment options include conservative management, surgery, embolization, or radiation, supported by references from Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology, The Requisites Neuroradiology, UpToDate, and Radiopaedia.