Giant Arteriovenous Malformation of the Neck

Disfiguring high-flow cervicofacial arteriovenous malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular anomalies resulting from defects in angiogenesis. Approximately 40% of AVMs go undetected after birth and only experience the delayed clinical onset of symptoms in adulthood. AVMs are rare, representing only 1.5% of all vascular anomalies. The most common sites for the aberrant vascular nidus are the oral cavity and maxillofacial region, which represent 50% of the cases. AVMs are the most challenging and life-threatening form of vascular malformation. Exsanguination, thrombus detachment and embolization are the most hazardous operative risks. Small case series revealed a 75% recurrence rate during a 5-year follow-up, which adds another layer of complexity to their management. Large lesions in the head and neck cause deformation to the patient and present a challenge to the surgeon during their excision among vital structures and reconstruction of the 3D complex defects.

An unusual arteriovenous malformation involving the cervical vessels treated with endovascular repair

We present an unusual and complex arteriovenous malformation involving the vertebral artery, subclavian artery, and internal jugular vein in a 31-year-old man with no history of trauma or catheterization. The repair was done using endovascular techniques to minimize complications from nerve or vascular injury. The massively dilated jugular vein has remained diminished in size and the patient has remained asymptomatic at 8 months. We discuss the occurrence of this rare malformation as well as treatment options along with their risks and benefits.