Arteriovenous Malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) belong to a group of disorders known as vascular malformations, which are conditions affecting the blood vessels in the brain. AVMs are best described as abnormal tangles of arteries and veins that grow in the brain. They are the leading cause of hemorrhagic strokes in young people, including children.

AVMs typically are caused by mistakes that occur during fetal development or soon after birth. Although not completely understood, these mistakes may be linked to genetic mutations. The malformation can form wherever there are arteries or veins in the brain or spinal cord. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body's cells and veins return oxygen-depleted blood to the lungs and heart. When AVMs disrupt this process, they can reduce the amount of oxygen received by brain tissues. This can lead to the compression of parts of the brain or spinal cord. The most severe risk of AVM is bleeding, called a hemorrhage, in the brain, which can lead to a debilitating or fatal stroke.

AVMs of the brain or spinal cord affect approximately 300,000 Americans. Occurring equally in males and females from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, they are more prevalent in late childhood (over 9-years-old) than early childhood, although the condition can happen at any age.

Our UCSF Pediatric Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease Center is staffed by the world's leading experts in stroke and cerebrovascular disease among children. A team of experts specializing in malformations that affect blood vessels in the brain works together with you and your family to develop the best possible treatment plan for your child.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call:
Child Neurology Clinic (415) 353-2525

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated February 26, 2008