Arteriovenous Malformations

Arteriovenous Malformations

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

The following tests may be used to diagnose your arteriovenous malformation (AVM), as well as help identify its size, location and blood-flow pattern.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan -- With this test, X-ray beams are used to create a three-dimensional image of the brain. A CT scan typically can detect bleeding into the brain, called a hemorrhage, which indicates an AVM.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) -- This procedure is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the blood vessels. Using a strong magnetic field, a MRI can generate a three-dimensional image of the brain that can be used to detect, diagnose and aid the treatment of various vascular disorders. A MRA provides detailed images of blood vessels. The procedure is painless and the magnetic field is not known to cause tissue damage of any kind.

Angiography -- This special X-ray exam shows the structure of a person's blood vessels and is essential in the diagnosis and treatment planning of AVMs. During this procedure, a harmless dye that can be seen on X-rays is injected into an artery that supplies blood to the brain. The dye follows the path of the brain's blood flow and can show any obstructions or leaks.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 26, 2008