Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations and Epilepsy, Part 2: Predictors of Seizure Outcomes Following Radiosurgery

Associations of Brain Arteriovenous Malformation-Related Factors with Epileptic Seizure Presentations

BACKGROUND

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal tangles of arteries and veins that connect directly without an intervening capillary bed. Epileptic seizures are the second most common symptom in patients with brain AVMs, occurring in 30 to 50% of cases. However, the exact mechanism of epileptic seizure development in AVMs remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the factors associated with epileptic seizures in patients with brain arteriovenous malformation (AVMs) in Kazakhstan.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted, which included 163 patients diagnosed with brain AVMs. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression was built to assess the factors associated with seizures in brain AVMs.

RESULTS

from this rupture of vessels OR = 0.36 95% CI (0.14-0.91, a medium-to-high Spetzler-Martin score (III-V) OR = 6.16 (2.14-17.69) and OR = 3.05 (1.08-8.68), respectively), location in brain cortex (frontal lobe OR = 6.16 (2.04-18.54), parietal lobe OR = 9.37 (3.26-26.91), temporal lobe OR = 4.57 (1.56-13.36), occipital lobe OR = 0.27 (0.08-0.91), and the presence of hemiparesis OR = 0.12 (0.02-0.66) in adverse outcomes were statistically significantly associated with the presence of epileptic seizures in brain arteriovenous malformations patients.

CONCLUSIONS

To conclude, this contributed to model factors associated with brain arteriovenous malformations that are linked to epileptic seizures.

New approaches for brain arteriovenous malformations-related epilepsy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this review is to present the current literature and to highlight the most recent findings in brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM)-related epilepsy research.

METHODS

We searched Medline, PubMed, Biblioinserm, Cochrane Central to study the latest research reports about the different factors that could be responsible for the genesis of bAVM-related epilepsy. We analyzed if epileptogenesis has any characteristics traits and its relation with the vascular malformation. The results of different treatments on epilepsy were considered. Typical errors that may lead towards incorrect or worse management of the seizures for these patients were also examined.

RESULTS

The development of bAVM results from multifactorial etiologies and bAVM-related epileptogenesis is likely specific for this pathology. Different types of evidence demonstrate a bidirectional relationship between bAVM and epilepsy. Currently, there is not enough published data to determine what may be the right management for these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A better understanding of epileptogenesis in conjunction with knowledge of the complex alterations of structures and functions following bAVM-related seizures is necessary. Identification of biomarkers that can identify subgroups most likely to benefit from a specific intervention are needed to help guide clinical management. A new concept for the treatment of epilepsy related to an unruptured bAVM that cannot be treated invasively is proposed as well as new therapeutic perspectives. The next necessary step will be to propose additional algorithms to improve the development of future trials.

Giant intracranial arteriovenous malformation as a possibility of epileptic seizures in a case of drowning

A male in his late 50s had been complaining of headaches and dizziness for 25 years. He also had episodes of losing consciousness, but had not sought treatment because of financial hardship. He was found in the ocean. Autopsy revealed foamy liquid leaking from his nose and mouth, and pleural effusions. The trachea and bronchi contained the same foamy liquid. The lungs were swollen and edematous, and leaked a large amount of foamy liquid. His cause of death was diagnosed as drowning. In the brain, the veins on the frontal lobe and the temporal pole, each on the right cerebral hemisphere, were dilated. A vascular lesion measuring 5 × 5 × 8 cm was found on the bottom of the right frontal lobe, and was located between the right middle cerebral artery and those veins. This vascular lesion extended to the brain parenchyma, and the basal ganglia of the right cerebrum was displaced outward and upward. The vascular lesions in the brain showed blood vessels of various sizes and shapes, and some of the vessel walls were thickened. The vascular lesion on the right frontal lobe was diagnosed as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). According to the police investigation, the harbor where his body was found was a place he often came for fishing and walking. The possibility of suicide cannot be ruled out. Moreover, it was considered that his AVM might have rendered him unconscious, causing him to fall into the ocean.

Seizure Outcomes After Interventional Treatment in Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation-Associated Epilepsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Seizures are the second most common presenting symptom of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Evidence supporting different treatment modalities is continuously evolving and it remains unclear which modality offers better seizure outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To compare various interventional treatment modalities (i.e., microsurgery, radiosurgery, endovascular embolization, or multimodality treatment), regarding outcomes in AVM-associated epilepsy.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched on December 31, 2020 for studies that evaluated outcomes in patients with AVM-associated epilepsy after undergoing different treatment modalities. Pooled analysis was performed using a random-effects model and stratified by different modalities.

RESULTS

Forty-nine studies including 2668 patients were included. Interventional management was associated with a 56.0% probability of seizure freedom and a 73.0% probability of seizure improvement. The probability of discontinuing antiepileptic drugs was estimated at 38.0%. The stratified analysis showed that microsurgery was associated with a higher probability of seizure freedom and seizure improvement than was radiosurgery, endovascular, or multimodality treatment. The probability of antiepileptic drug cessation was also higher after microsurgery compared with radiation therapy; however, only clinical but not statistical significance could be inferred because of the lack of comparative analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventional management of AVM-related epilepsy was associated with seizure freedom and seizure improvement in 56% and 73% of cases. Microsurgery seemed to be associated with a higher incidence of seizure freedom and seizure improvement than did other modalities. Future well-designed comparative studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions regarding each modality.

Complete seizure-free rates following interventional treatment of intracranial arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Seizures are common presenting symptoms of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the current evidence regarding complete seizure freedom rates following surgical resection, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and/or endovascular embolization of intracranial AVMs. A systematic review of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid EMBASE was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Included manuscripts were methodically scrutinized for quality, spontaneous AVM-associated or hemorrhage-associated seizures, complete seizure-free rates following each interventional treatment, follow-up duration; determination methods of seizure outcomes, and average time-to-onset of recurrent seizures after each treatment. Manuscripts that described patients with nondisabling seizures or reduced seizure frequency in their seizure-free calculations were excluded. Seizure freedom rates following surgical resection, SRS, and endovascular embolization were compared via random-effect analysis. Thirty-four studies with a total of 1765 intracranial AVM patients presenting with spontaneous AVM-associated seizures and 408 patients presenting with hemorrhage-associated seizures were qualitatively analyzed. For patients presenting with AVM-associated seizures, the complete seizure-free rates were 73.0% (321/440 patients; 95% CI 68.8-77.1%) following surgical resection, 60.5% (376/622 patients; 95% CI 56.6-64.3%) following SRS, and 44.6% (29/65 patients; 95% CI 32.5-56.7%) following endovascular embolization alone. For patients presenting with either AVM-associated or hemorrhage-associated seizures, the complete seizure-free rates were 73.0% (584/800 patients; 95% CI 69.9-76.1%) following surgical resection, 46.4% (572/1233 patients; 95% CI 43.6-49.2%) following SRS, and 44.6% (29/65 patients; 95% CI 32.5-56.7%) following embolization. For patients presenting with either AVM-associated or hemorrhage-associated seizures, the overall improvements in seizure outcomes regardless of complete seizure freedom were 82.6% (661/800 patients; 95% CI 80.0-85.3%), 70.6% (870/1233 patients; 95% CI 68.0-73.1%), and 70.8% (46/65 patients; 95% CI 59.7-81.1%) following surgical resection, SRS, and embolization, respectively. No study reported information about the time-to-onset for recurrent seizures in any patient following treatment, as seizure outcomes were only described at the last follow-up visit. The available data suggests that surgical resection results in the highest rate of complete seizure freedom. The rate of seizure improvement following surgery increased further to 82.3% when including patients who had improved seizure frequency without achieving true seizure freedom. Complete seizure-free rates following SRS or embolization were more ambiguous and lower when compared to surgical resection. There is a need for high quality studies evaluating AVM treatment modalities and clearly defined seizure outcomes, as the current literature consists mostly of heterogenous patient populations.

Epilepsy Syndromes: Current Classifications and Future Directions

This review describes the clinical presentations and treatment options for commonly recognized epilepsy syndromes in the pediatric age group, based on the 2017 International League Against Epilepsy classification. Structural epilepsies that are amenable to surgical intervention are discussed. Lastly, emerging technologies are reviewed that are expanding our knowledge of underlying epilepsy pathologies and will guide future syndromic classification systems including genetic testing and tissue repositories.

Benefits from Exclusion Treatment of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations on Epilepsy in Adults

PURPOSE

In approximately 30% of the patients, brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are revealed by seizures, which may alter the patients' quality of life. Our objective was to evaluate the benefits of exclusion treatment (radiosurgery, embolization and/or surgery) on posttherapeutic epilepsy in bAVM patients without intracranial hemorrhage prior to treatment.

METHODS

Our retrospective observational single-center study included all consecutive adult patients with an unruptured bAVM and epilepsy, treated at our institution from 1995 to 2019 and who were followed for at least 1 year. Data on angioarchitectural characteristics of bAVMs, on epilepsy and posttreatment modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were collected. The primary endpoint was a seizure-free status (defined as Engel class IA) after exclusion treatment versus conservative management.

RESULTS

In this study one hundred and one consecutive adult patients with bAVMs, epilepsy and without bAVM rupture before any treatment were included; 21 (21%) in the conservative management group vs. 80 (79%) in the exclusion treatment group. After exclusion treatment, 55% of the patients from the group were Engel IA after treatment vs. 10% of the conservative management group (odds ratio [OR] 11.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.48-107.24, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that exclusion treatment in unruptured bAVMs with epilepsy is associated with a higher seizure-free rate in comparison with conservative management. Data from randomized controlled studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Microsurgery Versus Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: A Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Microsurgery (MS) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) remain the preferred interventions for the curative treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM), but their relative efficacy remains incompletely defined.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcomes of MS to SRS for AVMs through a retrospective, matched cohort study.

METHODS

We evaluated institutional databases of AVM patients who underwent MS and SRS. MS-treated patients were matched, in a 1:1 ratio based on patient and AVM characteristics, to SRS-treated patients. Statistical analyses were performed to compare outcomes data between the 2 cohorts. The primary outcome was defined as AVM obliteration without a new permanent neurological deficit.

RESULTS

The matched MS and SRS cohorts were each comprised of 59 patients. Both radiological (85 vs 11 mo; P < .001) and clinical (92 vs 12 mo; P < .001) follow-up were significantly longer for the SRS cohort. The primary outcome was achieved in 69% of each cohort. The MS cohort had a significantly higher obliteration rate (98% vs 72%; P = .001), but also had a significantly higher rate of new permanent deficit (31% vs 10%; P = .011). The posttreatment hemorrhage rate was significantly higher for the SRS cohort (10% for SRS vs 0% for MS; P = .027). In subgroup analyses of ruptured and unruptured AVMs, no significant differences between the primary outcomes were observed.

CONCLUSION

For patients with comparable AVMs, MS and SRS afford similar rates of deficit-free obliteration. Nidal obliteration is more frequently achieved with MS, but this intervention also incurs a greater risk of new permanent neurological deficit.

Brain arteriovenous malformation with transdural blood supply: Current status

Arterial blood supply to a brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM) is mainly derived from the internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral basilar artery (VBA) system. However, in certain cases, arteries supplying the meninges may also contribute to the blood supply of the BAVM, resulting in the formation of a BAVM with transdural blood supply (TBS). To review the current status of BAVM with TBS, a literature search was performed in the PubMed database. Articles were screened for relevance and suitability of data. According to recent studies, the mechanisms by which TBS to a BAVM forms are mainly classified into the congenital and acquired type. BAVM with TBS is common in elderly patients and is characterized by intracranial hemorrhage, epilepsy, chronic headache and increased intracranial pressure. Digital subtraction angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing BAVM with TBS. Superselective angiography is also important. Treatments for BAVM with TBS include surgical resection, endovascular treatment (EVT), stereotactic radiosurgery and combined treatment. Surgical resection is difficult to perform. EVT has become the major therapy for treating BAVM with TBS due to its low procedural invasiveness. Combination of surgical resection and EVT may be a good option. In addition, stereotactic radiosurgery is frequently used as a complementary treatment to surgical and endovascular interventions. The prognosis of BAVM with TBS is not favorable, as the defect involves a complex arterial supply system.

MR characteristics of unruptured intracranial arteriovenous malformations associated with seizure as initial clinical presentation

Background

Patients with intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are at increased risk of seizures.

Objective

To identify MRI characteristics of unruptured intracranial AVMs associated with seizures at presentation.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review was completed of patients diagnosed with unruptured intracranial AVMs on MRI between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2016. Two blinded reviewers assessed demographics, lesion locality, and imaging and architectural characteristics of AVMs and surrounding parenchyma, including, but not limited to, AVM location, venous drainage pattern, venous varix, thrombosed venous varix, long draining vein, AVM-related gliosis, peri-AVM edema, and peri-AVM T2* signal. Findings were statistically analyzed for correlation with seizure using Student’s t-test for continuous variables and Χ2 test for categorical variables.

Results

Of 165 included patients, 57/165 (34.5%) patients were imaged as part of an investigation for seizures. Patients with seizures more commonly had peri-AVM edema (36.8%, compared with 11.1% of non-seizure patients, p<0.0001), peri-AVM T2* blooming (28.1% vs 7.4%; p=0.029), a venous pouch/varix (61.4% vs 31.5%, p=0.0003), long draining vein (91.2% vs 55.6%, p<0.0001), and larger size based on Spetzler-Martin grade categorization (p=0.006). By location, AVMs located in the frontal lobe, primary motor cortex, and primary sensory cortex were associated with seizures (p=0.004, p=0.001, and p=0.006, respectively); temporal lobe location was not associated with seizures (p=0.459).

Conclusions

Certain MRI characteristics of unruptured intracranial AVMs are associated with seizures. Such correlations may assist in identifying the pathophysiological mechanisms by which AVMs cause seizures.

Venous Stenosis and Hemorrhage After Radiosurgery for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

BACKGROUND

The risk of hemorrhage remains after radiosurgery for patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), especially during the latency period. The effect of venous outflow stenosis on postradiosurgery AVM hemorrhage has been understudied. The present study sought to clarify the effect of venous stenosis on postradiation hemorrhage.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with AVM seen at our institution from 1990 to 2015. Patients who had undergone radiosurgery were included, and those without sufficient data were excluded. We performed multivariable Cox regression to evaluate the predictors of postradiosurgery hemorrhage, with specific emphasis on venous stenosis. Patients were censored from the first radiosurgery to hemorrhage or the last follow-up visit. The baseline and angiographic characteristics were compared between those with venous stenosis and those without to address potential confounders.

RESULTS

The present study included 240 patients, of whom 29 (12.1%) had venous stenosis. The venous stenosis cohort included more patients with venous varices (P = 0.009) and fewer with deep venous drainage (P = 0.048) compared with those without venous stenosis. Most patients had grade III or higher AVMs (63.2%), with an obliteration rate of 32.9%. In an all-inclusive multivariable Cox regression, hemorrhage risk was associated with venous stenosis (hazard ratio [HR], 3.70; P = 0.034), age (HR, 1.05; P = 0.002), AVM volume (HR, 1.04; P = 0.004), and hemorrhage before treatment (HR, 4.11; P = 0.014). Male gender was protective (HR, 0.31; P = 0.036) against hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified statistically significant risk factors for postradiosurgery AVM hemorrhage, which included advanced age, female gender, the presence of venous stenosis, a larger AVM volume, and previous hemorrhage. We recommend cautious selection of patients for radiosurgery with close follow-up after treatment, especially for patients with these risk factors.

Stereotactic radiosurgery alone or combined with embolization for brain arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) prior to stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been reported to negatively affect obliteration rates. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of AVMs treated with embolization plus SRS (E+SRS group) and those of AVMs treated with SRS alone (SRS group).

METHODS

A literature review was performed using PubMed to identify studies with 10 or more AVM patients and obliteration data for both E+SRS and SRS groups. A meta-analysis was performed to compare obliteration rates between the E+SRS and SRS groups.

RESULTS

Twelve articles comprising 1716 patients were eligible for analysis. Among the patients with radiological follow-up data, complete obliteration was achieved in 48.4% of patients (330/681) in the E+SRS group compared with 62.7% of patients (613/978) in the SRS group. A meta-analysis of the pooled data revealed that the obliteration rate was significantly lower in the E+SRS group (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.41–0.64, p < 0.00001). Symptomatic adverse radiation effects were observed in 6.6% (27/412 patients) and 11.1% (48/433 patients) of the E+SRS and SRS groups, respectively. The annual post-SRS hemorrhage rate was 2.0%–6.5% and 0%–2.0% for the E+SRS and SRS groups, respectively. The rates of permanent morbidity were 0%–6.7% and 0%–13.5% for the E+SRS and SRS groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Arteriovenous malformation treatment with combined embolization and SRS is associated with lower obliteration rates than those with SRS treatment alone. However, this comparison does not fully account for differences in the initial AVM characteristics in the E+SRS group as compared with those in the SRS group. Further studies are warranted to address these limitations.

Sylvian Arteriovenous Malformation Resection and Associated Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Clipping: Technical Nuances of Concurrent Surgical Treatment

Approximately 10-30% of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) have associated arterial aneurysms (AAA), and the management of these lesions can be challenging. In this video technical note, we demonstrate the microsurgical treatment of an unruptured, Spetzler-Martin grade I AVM in the distal Sylvian fissure with two AAAs arising proximally from the inferior M2 trunk immediately distal to the middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation. First, we resected the superficially located AVM to normalize the blood flow through the Sylvian vein. Next, we performed a Sylvian fissure dissection to access and clip the two MCA AAAs. We also discuss the technical nuances of tandem surgical intervention for AVMs with AAAs as it pertains to this case, particularly with respect to the order of lesion treatment, Sylvian fissure dissection, nidal resection, and aneurysm clipping.

Radiosurgery for Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: An International Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The role of intervention in the management of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze in a multicenter, retrospective cohort study, the outcomes following radiosurgery for unruptured AVMs and determine predictive factors.

METHODS

We evaluated and pooled AVM radiosurgery data from 8 institutions participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation. Patients with unruptured AVMs and ≥12 mo of follow-up were included in the study cohort. Favorable outcome was defined as AVM obliteration, no postradiosurgical hemorrhage, and no permanently symptomatic radiation-induced changes.

RESULTS

The unruptured AVM cohort comprised 938 patients with a median age of 35 yr. The median nidus volume was 2.4 cm 3 , 71% of AVMs were located in eloquent brain areas, and the Spetzler-Martin grade was III or higher in 57%. The median radiosurgical margin dose was 21 Gy and follow-up was 71 mo. AVM obliteration was achieved in 65%. The annual postradiosurgery hemorrhage rate was 1.4%. Symptomatic and permanent radiation-induced changes occurred in 9% and 3%, respectively. Favorable outcome was achieved in 61%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, smaller AVM maximum diameter ( P = .001), the absence of AVM-associated arterial aneurysms ( P = .001), and higher margin dose ( P = .002) were found to be independent predictors of a favorable outcome. A margin dose ≥ 20 Gy yielded a significantly higher rate of favorable outcome (70% vs 36%; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Radiosurgery affords an acceptable risk to benefit profile for patients harboring unruptured AVMs. These findings justify further prospective studies comparing radiosurgical intervention to conservative management for unruptured AVMs.

Volume-staged versus dose-staged stereotactic radiosurgery outcomes for large brain arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE Several recent studies have improved our understanding of the outcomes of volume-staged (VS) and dose-staged (DS) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the treatment of large (volume > 10 cm3) brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). In light of these recent additions to the literature, the aim of this systematic review is to provide an updated comparison of VS-SRS and DS-SRS for large AVMs. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed to identify cohorts of 5 or more patients with large AVMs who had been treated with VS-SRS or DS-SRS. Baseline data and post-SRS outcomes were extracted for analysis. RESULTS A total of 11 VS-SRS and 10 DS-SRS studies comprising 299 and 219 eligible patients, respectively, were included for analysis. The mean obliteration rates for VS-SRS and DS-SRS were 41.2% (95% CI 31.4%-50.9%) and 32.3% (95% CI 15.9%-48.8%), respectively. Based on pooled individual patient data, the outcomes for patients treated with VS-SRS were obliteration in 40.3% (110/273), symptomatic radiation-induced changes (RICs) in 13.7% (44/322), post-SRS hemorrhage in 19.5% (50/256), and death in 7.4% (24/323); whereas the outcomes for patients treated with DS-SRS were obliteration in 32.7% (72/220), symptomatic RICs in 12.2% (31/254), post-SRS hemorrhage in 10.6% (30/282), and death in 4.6% (13/281). CONCLUSIONS Volume-staged SRS appears to afford higher obliteration rates than those achieved with DS-SRS, although with a less favorable complication profile. Therefore, VS-SRS or DS-SRS may be a reasonable treatment approach for large AVMs, either as stand-alone therapy or as a component of a multimodality management strategy.

Giant intracranial arteriovenous malformation as the focus of epileptic seizures

A man in his late thirties was found in a supine position in the hallway of his house. He had been diagnosed with epilepsy at approximately 20 years old. Since stopping treatment, epileptic events occurred more frequently and his condition deteriorated in the past 2 years. Autopsy revealed that head injuries were found on the left side of his head. A fracture from the left parietal bone to the anterior cranial fossa was also detected. A subdural hemorrhage (hematoma) spanned a wide range. A subarachnoid hemorrhage was also identified in the left parietal region. His brain weighed 1603 g, was edematous, and showed right uncal herniation. In the right cerebral hemisphere, a thick, enlarged blood vessel ran from the sagittal sinus. An egg-sized tumorous lesion of blood vessels was found on the bottom of the frontal lobe. This vascular lesion had formed between the sagittal sinus and right anterior cerebral artery. Pathologically, veins and arteries were found together, and, thus, this case was diagnosed as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). No other pathological and toxicological findings were observed. Subdural hematoma, the cause of death, occurred from the fall to the floor. An epileptic seizure may have been the cause of the fall. AVM on his brain was considered to be the focal lesion of epileptic seizures.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for Spetzler-Martin Grade IV and V arteriovenous malformations: an international multicenter study

OBJECTIVE Due to the complexity of Spetzler-Martin (SM) Grade IV-V arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), the management of these lesions remains controversial. The aims of this multicenter, retrospective cohort study were to evaluate the outcomes after single-session stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for SM Grade IV-V AVMs and determine predictive factors. METHODS The authors retrospectively pooled data from 233 patients (mean age 33 years) with SM Grade IV (94.4%) or V AVMs (5.6%) treated with single-session SRS at 8 participating centers in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation. Pre-SRS embolization was performed in 71 AVMs (30.5%). The mean nidus volume, SRS margin dose, and follow-up duration were 9.7 cm³, 17.3 Gy, and 84.5 months, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed to identify factors associated with post-SRS outcomes. RESULTS At a mean follow-up interval of 84.5 months, favorable outcome was defined as AVM obliteration, no post-SRS hemorrhage, and no permanently symptomatic radiation-induced changes (RIC) and was achieved in 26.2% of patients. The actuarial obliteration rates at 3, 7, 10, and 12 years were 15%, 34%, 37%, and 42%, respectively. The annual post-SRS hemorrhage rate was 3.0%. Symptomatic and permanent RIC occurred in 10.7% and 4% of the patients, respectively. Only larger AVM diameter (p = 0.04) was found to be an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The rate of favorable outcome was significantly lower for unruptured SM Grade IV-V AVMs compared with ruptured ones (p = 0.042). Prior embolization was a negative independent predictor of AVM obliteration (p = 0.024) and radiologically evident RIC (p = 0.05) in the respective multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS In this multi-institutional study, single-session SRS had limited efficacy in the management of SM Grade IV-V AVMs. Favorable outcome was only achieved in a minority of unruptured SM Grade IV-V AVMs, which supports less frequent utilization of SRS for the management of these lesions. A volume-staged SRS approach for large AVMs represents an alternative approach for high-grade AVMs, but it requires further investigation.

Cyst formation after stereotactic radiosurgery for brain arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE Cyst formation can occasionally occur after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Given the limited data regarding post-SRS cyst formation in patients with AVM, the time course, natural history, and management of this delayed complication are poorly defined. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the incidence, time course, and optimal management of cyst formation after SRS for AVMs. METHODS A literature review was performed using PubMed to identify studies reporting cyst formation in AVM patients treated with SRS. Baseline and outcomes data, including the incidence and management of post-SRS cysts, were extracted from each study that reported follow-up duration. The mean time to cyst formation was calculated from the subset of studies that reported individual patient data. RESULTS Based on pooled data from 22 studies comprising the incidence analysis, the overall rate of post-SRS cyst formation was 3.0% (78/2619 patients). Among the 26 post-SRS cyst patients with available AVM obliteration data, nidal obliteration was achieved in 20 (76.9%). Of the 64 cyst patients with available symptomatology and management data, 21 (32.8%) were symptomatic; 21 cysts (32.8%) were treated with surgical intervention, whereas the remaining 43 (67.2%) were managed conservatively. Based on a subset of 19 studies reporting individual time-to-cyst-formation data from 63 patients, the mean latency period to post-SRS cyst formation was 78 months (6.5 years). CONCLUSIONS Cyst formation is an uncommon complication after SRS for AVMs, with a relatively long latency period. The majority of post-SRS cysts are asymptomatic and can be managed conservatively, although enlarging or symptomatic cysts may require surgical intervention. Long-term follow-up of AVM patients is crucial to the appropriate diagnosis and management of post-SRS cysts.

Volume-staged stereotactic radiosurgery for large intracranial arteriovenous malformations

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an effective treatment option for intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM). However, the treatment of large AVMs (nidus volume ≥12cm³) with single-session SRS alone yields generally poor outcomes. Volume-staged SRS (VS-SRS) is a therapeutic strategy for large AVMs which seeks to avoid the disadvantages of single-session SRS, but reports regarding its efficacy remain limited. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to assess the outcomes of VS-SRS for large AVMs. We identified all AVM patients who underwent VS-SRS at our institution from 2000 to 2015 with ≥12months follow-up. Baseline and outcomes data were analyzed. A total of 12 patients were selected for the study cohort, with a median age of 30years. The median maximum AVM diameter and nidus volume were 4.3cm and 13.6cm³, respectively. The Spetzler-Martin grade was III and IV each in six AVMs (50%). All patients underwent VS-SRS in two stages, and the median margin dose was 17Gy for both VS-SRS procedures. The median time interval between the two procedures was three months. After a median radiologic follow-up duration of 39months, the median degree of AVM volume reduction (evaluable in nine patients) was 87% (range 12-99%). The rates of radiologically evident, symptomatic, and permanent radiation-induced changes were 58%, 25%, and 8%, respectively. There were no cases of post-SRS hemorrhage. VS-SRS substantially reduces the size of large AVMs. A potential role for VS-SRS may be to facilitate subsequent definitive intervention to obliterate a shrunken, residual nidus.

Surgical Approaches for Symptomatic Cerebral Cavernous Malformations of the Thalamus and Brainstem

Objective

Surgical resection of thalamic and brainstem cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) is associated with significant operative morbidity, but it may be outweighed, in some cases, by the neurological damage from recurrent hemorrhage in these eloquent areas. The goals of this retrospective cohort study are to describe the technical nuances of surgical approaches and determine the postoperative outcomes for CCMs of the thalamus and brainstem.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed an institutional database of patients harboring thalamic or brainstem CCMs, who underwent surgical resection from 2010 to 2014. The baseline and follow-up neuroimaging and clinical findings of each patient and the operative details of each case were evaluated.

Results

A total of eight patients, including two with thalamic and six with brainstem CCMs, were included in the study cohort. All patients had progressive neurological deterioration from recurrent CCM hemorrhage, and the median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at presentation was 3. The median CCM maximum diameter and volume were 1.7 cm and 1.8 cm³, respectively. The thalamic CCMs were resected using the anterior transcallosal transchoroidal and supracerebellar infratentorial approaches each in one case (13%). The brainstem CCMs were resected using the retrosigmoid and suboccipital trans-cerebellomedullary fissure approaches each in three cases (38%). After a median follow-up of 11.5 months, all patients were neurologically stable or improved, with a median mRS of 2. The rate of functional independence (mRS 0-2) was 63%.

Conclusion

Microneurosurgical techniques and approaches can be safely and effectively employed for the management of thalamic and brainstem CCMs in appropriately selected patients.

International multicenter cohort study of pediatric brain arteriovenous malformations. Part 1: Predictors of hemorrhagic presentation

OBJECTIVE Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are the most common cause of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in pediatric patients (age < 18 years). Since the cumulative lifetime risk of AVM hemorrhage is considerable in children, an improved understanding of the risk factors influencing hemorrhagic presentation may aid in the management of pediatric AVMs. The aims of this first of a 2-part multicenter, retrospective cohort study are to evaluate the incidence and determine the predictors of hemorrhagic presentation in pediatric AVM patients. METHODS The authors analyzed pooled AVM radiosurgery data from 7 institutions participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation (IGKRF). Patients younger than 18 years at the time of radiosurgery and who had at least 12 months of follow-up were included in the study cohort. Patient and AVM characteristics were compared between unruptured and ruptured pediatric AVMs. RESULTS A total of 357 pediatric patients were eligible for analysis, including 112 patients in the unruptured and 245 patients in the ruptured AVM cohorts (69% incidence of hemorrhagic presentation). The annual hemorrhage rate prior to radiosurgery was 6.3%. Hemorrhagic presentation was significantly more common in deep locations (basal ganglia, thalamus, and brainstem) than in cortical locations (frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes) (76% vs 62%, p = 0.006). Among the factors found to be significantly associated with hemorrhagic presentation in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, deep venous drainage (OR 3.2, p < 0.001) was the strongest independent predictor, followed by female sex (OR 1.7, p = 0.042) and smaller AVM volume (OR 1.1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Unruptured and ruptured pediatric AVMs have significantly different patient and nidal features. Pediatric AVM patients who possess 1 or more of these high-risk features may be candidates for relatively more aggressive management strategies.

International multicenter cohort study of pediatric brain arteriovenous malformations. Part 2: Outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery

OBJECTIVE Pediatric patients (age < 18 years) harboring brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are burdened with a considerably higher cumulative lifetime risk of hemorrhage than adults. Additionally, the pediatric population was excluded from recent prospective comparisons of intervention versus conservative management for unruptured AVMs. The aims of this multicenter, retrospective cohort study are to analyze the outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery for unruptured and ruptured pediatric AVMs. METHODS We analyzed and pooled AVM radiosurgery data from 7 participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation. Patients younger than 18 years of age who had at least 12 months of follow-up were included in the study cohort. Favorable outcome was defined as AVM obliteration, no post-radiosurgical hemorrhage, and no permanently symptomatic radiation-induced changes (RIC). The post-radiosurgery outcomes of unruptured versus ruptured pediatric AVMs were compared, and statistical analyses were performed to identify predictive factors. RESULTS The overall pediatric AVM cohort comprised 357 patients with a mean age of 12.6 years (range 2.8-17.9 years). AVMs were previously treated with embolization, resection, and fractionated external beam radiation therapy in 22%, 6%, and 13% of patients, respectively. The mean nidus volume was 3.5 cm³, 77% of AVMs were located in eloquent brain areas, and the Spetzler-Martin grade was III or higher in 59%. The mean radiosurgical margin dose was 21 Gy (range 5-35 Gy), and the mean follow-up was 92 months (range 12-266 months). AVM obliteration was achieved in 63%. During a cumulative latency period of 2748 years, the annual post-radiosurgery hemorrhage rate was 1.4%. Symptomatic and permanent radiation-induced changes occurred in 8% and 3%, respectively. Favorable outcome was achieved in 59%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the absence of prior AVM embolization (p = 0.001) and higher margin dose (p < 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of a favorable outcome. The rates of favorable outcome for patients treated with a margin dose ≥ 22 Gy vs < 22 Gy were 78% (110/141 patients) and 47% (101/216 patients), respectively. A margin dose ≥ 22 Gy yielded a significantly higher probability of a favorable outcome (p < 0.001). The unruptured and ruptured pediatric AVM cohorts included 112 and 245 patients, respectively. Ruptured AVMs had significantly higher rates of obliteration (68% vs 53%, p = 0.005) and favorable outcome (63% vs 51%, p = 0.033), with a trend toward a higher incidence of post-radiosurgery hemorrhage (10% vs 4%, p = 0.07). The annual post-radiosurgery hemorrhage rates were 0.8% for unruptured and 1.6% for ruptured AVMs. CONCLUSIONS Radiosurgery is a reasonable treatment option for pediatric AVMs. Obliteration and favorable outcomes are achieved in the majority of patients. The annual rate of latency period hemorrhage after radiosurgery for both ruptured and unruptured pediatric AVM patients conveys a significant risk until the nidus is obliterated.

Radiosurgery for the management of cerebral arteriovenous malformations

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare, unstable vascular lesions which spontaneously rupture at a rate of approximately 2-4% annually. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a minimally invasive treatment for AVMs, with a favorable risk-to-benefit profile in most patients, with respect to obliteration, hemorrhage, and seizure control. Radiosurgery is ideally suited for small to medium-sized AVMs (diameter <3cm or volume <12cm³) located in deep or eloquent brain regions. Obliteration is ultimately achieved in 70-80% of cases and is directly associated with nidus volume and radiosurgical margin dose. Adverse radiation effects, which appear as T2-weighted hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging, develop in 30-40% of patients after AVM radiosurgery, are symptomatic in 10%, and fail to clinically resolve in 2-3%. The risk of AVM hemorrhage may be reduced by radiosurgery, but the hemorrhage risk persists during the latency period between treatment and obliteration. Delayed postradiosurgery cyst formation occurs in 2% of cases and may require surgical treatment. Radiosurgery abolishes or ameliorates seizure activity in the majority of patients with AVM-associated epilepsy and induces de novo seizures in 1-2% of those without preoperative seizures. Strategies for the treatment of large-volume AVMs include neoadjuvant embolization and either dose- or volume-staged radiosurgery.

Arteriovenous malformations: epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic evaluation

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) represent an uncommon disease of the central nervous system characterized by an arteriovenous shunt in which one or multiple arterial pedicles feed into a vascular nidus, creating early drainage into a venous outflow channel. These lesions are considered to be congenital and can come to clinical attention in a variety of ways such as seizure, intracranial hemorrhage, chronic headache or progressive neurological deficit. We focus on the epidemiology, clinical presentation and diagnostic evaluation in this chapter.

Intervention for A randomized trial of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (ARUBA) - Eligible patients: An evidence-based review

While intervention for ruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain is typically warranted, the management of unruptured AVMs remains controversial. Despite numerous retrospective studies, only one randomized controlled trial has been conducted, comparing the role of medical management alone to medical management plus surgical and/or radiosurgical intervention in patients with unruptured AVMs: A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (ARUBA). To great controversy, ARUBA concluded that medical management alone was superior to intervention for unruptured AVMs, which was subsequently challenged by various single-institution and multi-center studies analyzing outcomes of ARUBA-eligible patients. This review summarizes studies returned from a PubMed database search querying, 'ARUBA,' 'ARUBA-eligible,' 'surgery unruptured AVM,' and "radiosurgery unruptured AVM". The rates of the primary endpoint of symptomatic stroke or death were low among the analyzed studies (0-12.2%, mean 8.0%) and similar to the medically managed arm of ARUBA (10.1%). Likewise, the percentage of patients with impaired functional outcomes (modified Rankin score ≥2) in the reviewed studies was low (5.9%-13.1%; mean: 9.9%) and comparable to the 14.0% observed in the medically management arm of ARUBA. The key findings of ARUBA and subsequent work in its aftermath are overviewed and analyzed for the role of surgery and/or radiosurgery in patients with unruptured AVMs.

Worse Outcomes After Repeat vs Initial Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

BACKGROUND:

Incompletely obliterated cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) after initial treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can be treated with a repeat session of SRS. However, the relative efficacy of repeat vs initial SRS is not well specified.

OBJECTIVE:

To retrospectively compare in matched cohorts the outcomes of repeat vs initial SRS for the treatment of matched cohorts with angioarchitecturally similar AVMs.

METHODS:

We studied a data set of patients with AVM treated with radiosurgery during the period spanning 1989 to 2013. Patients with AVM who underwent repeat SRS with radiologic follow-up of ≥2 years or nidus obliteration were identified for the study and matched, in a 1:1 fashion that was blinded to outcome, to patients with previously untreated AVMs who underwent initial SRS. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the outcomes after repeat vs initial SRS.

RESULTS:

The matching approach resulted in 84 patients for the repeat and the initial SRS cohort (mean margin doses, 20.7 and 20.9 Gy, respectively; P =.74). In the repeat SRS cohort, obliteration was achieved in 67%; the radiologic, symptomatic, and permanent radiation-induced change rates were 35%, 10%, and 4%, respectively; and the post-SRS hemorrhage rate was 3.1%/y. Compared with the initial SRS cohort, the repeat SRS cohort had significantly lower obliteration rates (P =.04) and higher post-SRS hemorrhage rates (P =.04). The radiation-induced change rates of the 2 cohorts were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION:

Repeat SRS yields considerably poorer outcomes than initial SRS for angioarchitecturally comparable AVMs. Further studies in AVM radiobiology and vascular structure are necessary to elucidate this potentially differential response.

Preoperative Embolization of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations with Silk Suture and Particles: Technical Considerations and Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is commonly performed prior to surgical resection in order to reduce intraoperative bleeding and improve the safety of resection. Although most modern embolization procedures utilize permanent embolic agents, silk suture and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles may offer unique advantages for preoperative devascularization. The aims of this retrospective cohort study are to describe the technical considerations and determine the outcomes for preoperative silk suture and PVA particle embolization (SPE) of AVMs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of our AVM embolization database. AVM patients who underwent preoperative SPE and subsequent surgical resection were included for analysis. Baseline patient demographics, AVM characteristics, embolization and operative records, and post-treatment outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 11 patients who underwent 12 preoperative SPE procedures were included for analysis. Five AVMs were ruptured (45%), and the median nidus volume was 3.0 cm3 (range: 1.3-42.9 cm³). The Spetzler-Martin grade was I-II in seven patients (64%) and III-IV in four patients (36%). The degree of nidal obliteration was less than 25% in two procedures (17%), 25-50% in one procedure (8%), 50-75% in eight procedures (67%), and greater than 75% in one procedure (8%). The rates of post-embolization AVM hemorrhage and mortality were 8% and 0%, respectively. The postoperative angiographic obliteration rate was 100%, and the modified Rankin Scale score improved or stable in 91% of patients (median follow-up duration 2 months).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative AVM SPE affords a reasonable risk to benefit profile for appropriately selected patients.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for Spetzler-Martin Grade III arteriovenous malformations: an international multicenter study

OBJECTIVE Because of the angioarchitectural diversity of Spetzler-Martin (SM) Grade III arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), the management of these lesions is incompletely defined. The aims of this multicenter, retrospective cohort study were to evaluate the outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for SM Grade III AVMs and to determine the factors predicting these outcomes. METHODS The authors analyzed and pooled data from patients with SM Grade III AVMs treated with SRS at 8 institutions participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation. Patients with these AVMs and a minimum follow-up length of 12 months were included in the study cohort. An optimal outcome was defined as AVM obliteration, no post-SRS hemorrhage, and no permanently symptomatic radiation-induced changes (RICs). Data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS The SM Grade III AVM cohort comprised 891 patients with a mean age of 34 years at the time of SRS. The mean nidus volume, radiosurgical margin dose, and follow-up length were 4.5 cm³, 20 Gy, and 89 months, respectively. The actuarial obliteration rates at 5 and 10 years were 63% and 78%, respectively. The annual postradiosurgery hemorrhage rate was 1.2%. Symptomatic and permanent RICs were observed in 11% and 4% of the patients, respectively. Optimal outcome was achieved in 56% of the patients and was significantly more frequent in cases of unruptured AVMs (OR 2.3, p < 0.001). The lack of a previous hemorrhage (p = 0.037), absence of previous AVM embolization (p = 0.002), smaller nidus volume (p = 0.014), absence of AVM-associated arterial aneurysms (p = 0.023), and higher margin dose (p < 0.001) were statistically significant independent predictors of optimal outcome in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Stereotactic radiosurgery provided better outcomes for patients with small, unruptured SM Grade III AVMs than for large or ruptured SM Grade III nidi. A prospective trial or registry that facilitates a comparison of SRS with conservative AVM management might further clarify the authors' observations for these often high-risk AVMs.

Radiosurgery for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations in A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (ARUBA)-Eligible Patients: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The benefit of intervention for patients with unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) was challenged by results demonstrating superior clinical outcomes with conservative management from A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain AVMs (ARUBA). The aim of this multicenter, retrospective cohort study is to analyze the outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery for ARUBA-eligible patients.

METHODS

We combined AVM radiosurgery outcome data from 7 institutions participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation. Patients with ≥12 months of follow-up were screened for ARUBA eligibility criteria. Favorable outcome was defined as AVM obliteration, no postradiosurgery hemorrhage, and no permanently symptomatic radiation-induced changes. Adverse neurological outcome was defined as any new or worsening neurological symptoms or death.

RESULTS

The ARUBA-eligible cohort comprised 509 patients (mean age, 40 years). The Spetzler-Martin grade was I to II in 46% and III to IV in 54%. The mean radiosurgical margin dose was 22 Gy and follow-up was 86 months. AVM obliteration was achieved in 75%. The postradiosurgery hemorrhage rate during the latency period was 0.9% per year. Symptomatic and permanent radiation-induced changes occurred in 11% and 3%, respectively. The rates of favorable outcome, adverse neurological outcome, permanent neurological morbidity, and mortality were 70%, 13%, 5%, and 4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiosurgery may provide durable clinical benefit in some ARUBA-eligible patients. On the basis of the natural history of untreated, unruptured AVMs in the medical arm of ARUBA, we estimate that a follow-up duration of 15 to 20 years is necessary to realize a potential benefit of radiosurgical intervention for conservative management in unruptured patients with AVM.

Angioarchitecture and Posttreatment Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations and Long-Term Seizure Control After Radiosurgery

OBJECTIVE

To corroborate which pretreatment angioarchitectural characteristics and posttreatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features were associated with better seizure and antiepileptic drug outcomes in patients with brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) treated by Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

METHODS

During the period 2007-2010, 220 patients with intracranial AVMs undergoing radiosurgery at our hospital were evaluated. Imaging features on digital subtraction angiography and follow-up MRI, medical records, and direct patient interview were retrospectively assessed. Seizure outcome was assessed using the Engel classification and the status of antiepileptic drug use.

RESULTS

At the last follow-up, 21 of 31 patients (68%) who met the recruitment criteria had AVM obliteration on digital subtraction angiography or MRI. Seizure-free status (Engel class 1) was achieved in 20 patients (65%), and 13 of 20 (65%) seizure-free patients were medication-free. The presence of total obliteration at last imaging follow-up (P = 0.013), absent retrograde cortical veins on digital subtraction angiography before GKRS (P = 0.013), nidus <3.7 cm (P = 0.006), and lower modified radiosurgery-based AVM score (P = 0.026) were significant predictors of seizure-free outcome. The strongest independent predictor of seizure-free status was absence of retrograde veins (odds ratio = 9.9). No angioarchitectural feature, postradiosurgery imaging finding on MRI, or radiosurgical treatment parameter was a significant predictor of seizure control or cessation of medication in seizure-free patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that radiosurgery provides favorable outcomes in patients with AVM-related epilepsy. Patients with intracranial AVMs can benefit from seizure control after GKRS before undergoing AVM obliteration. Absence of retrograde veins is associated with better seizure-free outcomes, regardless of the parenchymal changes after radiosurgery.