Classification of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations

Abstract

The prevalence of brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) in a given population is difficult to estimate. It is believed that between 0.14% and 0.8% of the population may present with a BAVM in a given year (Garret-son 1985; Jellinger 1986). These varying figures result from studies of disparate populations, ranging from the residents in a small community (Mohr 1984) to autopsy series (Jellinger 1986). Overall, however, the incidence of symptomatic BAVMs in adults appears to represent about one-tenth the frequency of intracranial arterial aneurysms. Various neurosurgical series comparing the relative incidence of symptomatic BAVMs to that of brain tumors also show considerable variability, with figures ranging from 0.59%–7.9% (Yasargil 1987). This reflects different referral patterns and the introduction of ever more sensitive diagnostic tools.