Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation: An uncommon disease with common presentation

Unveiling the complexity: coexistence of rheumatic heart disease and pulmonary arteriovenous malformation-a unique case report

Background

The coexistence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is a rare clinical scenario that poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This case report explores the clinical presentation, diagnostic journey, and multidisciplinary management of a patient presenting with both conditions.

Case summary

A 47-year-old female with a history of RHD presented with symptoms of dyspnoea on exertion and cyanosis, suggestive of both cardiac involvement and pulmonary involvement. Subsequent investigations involving imaging, echocardiography, and invasive pulmonary angiography revealed the coexistence of RHD and multiple PAVM in the patient's left lower lobe of the lung. The patient underwent a tailored treatment plan, initially involving percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty for RHD, followed by a staged procedure of transcatheter PAVM closure with Amplatzer™ Vascular Plug II performed 1 month later. Her saturation normalized following the intervention. The patient's progress was monitored closely, with adjustments made to the treatment plan based on evolving clinical scenarios. The patient remained well in short-term follow-up.

Discussion

This case highlights the complexity of managing patients having two diverse conditions RHD and PAVM coexisting together, thus emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. The unique intersection of cardiac and pulmonary pathologies necessitates careful consideration of diagnostic nuances and tailored treatment strategies. Lessons learned from this case offer valuable insights for clinicians encountering similar scenarios and underscore the significance of individualized, patient-centred care in optimizing outcomes for those with dual pathologies.

A case of hemoptysis unveiling the unlikely culprit - pulmonary arteriovenous malformation

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is a rare vascular anomaly characterized by abnormal communication between the pulmonary artery and vein. It is a rare cause of hemoptysis. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) has become the preferred and dependable diagnostic approach for identifying PAVM. PAVM embolization is the primary recommended treatment for this condition. We present a case of a 43-year-old male with a complex PAVM in the left lower lobe presenting with hemoptysis treated with an endovascular approach. Following the procedure, the patient's symptoms resolved.

Risk factors for cerebral complications in patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: A multicenter retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is a rare pulmonary disease. Although most patients with PAVMs are asymptomatic, cerebral complications associated with PAVMs are often fatal. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for cerebral complications in patients with PAVMs.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of patients with PAVMs between 2003 and 2021 at two tertiary referral hospitals and one secondary hospital.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients diagnosed with PAVMs were enrolled in this study. Most patients were female (89.1%), and the median age was 53 years. Thirty patients (54.5%) had incidentally detected PAVMs without symptoms. Twenty-four patients (43.7%) with PAVMs were treated with embolotherapy or surgery. Thirteen patients (23.6%) had cerebral complications. There was no significant difference in the development of cerebral complications according to treatment; however, older age (≥ 65 years) was associated with the development of new cerebral complications in untreated patients with PAVMs (odds ratio, 17.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-250.31; P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

Older age (≥ 65 years) was a risk factor for the development of cerebral complications in patients with PAVMs; therefore, treatment should be considered in older patients with PAVMs.

Endovascular Embolisation of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation Using Amplatzer Vascular Plugs

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVMs) are abnormal communications between pulmonary arteries and veins. The rarity of their occurrence, coupled with the risks they pose, including brain abscess, embolic stroke, and myocardial infarction, mandates that they should not be overlooked in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with haemoptysis, dyspnea, clubbing, cyanosis, hypoxemia, or epistaxis.

We present the case of a 41-year-old local female who presented to our hospital as an outpatient with decreased oxygen saturation (SpO₂) of 70%-80% for the past two years with a final diagnosis of PAVM. The initial baseline workup showed polycythemia with a hemoglobin level of 19 mg/dL and raised hematocrit. She had extensive workup in the past two years for her polycythemia including gene mutation testing and cardiac workup which all turned out normal. Her chest X-ray (CXR) showed right lung opacity which was initially considered to be infective but it did not respond to antibiotic treatment. Later on, a CT scan of the chest was performed and findings were typical of a large PAVM which had two feeding arteries. The patient was referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon who sent the patient to the interventional radiology section for endovascular management.

The embolization procedure was then performed and both feeders were successfully embolised. After the procedure, the patient's SpO₂ levels were restored to 95%-96%, and no post-procedure complications were noted.

Embolisation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations - case series

Purpose

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) are the direct communications between the pulmonary arteries and veins. These malformations can cause serious complications, and most of these patients should be treated. Herein we present our experience in the treatment of 18 cases of PAVM, treated with endovascular embolisation.

Material and methods

Eighteen patients with PAVMs underwent endovascular embolisation during a five-year period. Eight were male and 10 were female, with ages ranging from 16 to 65 years. Standard steel coils and vascular plug were used for embolisation.

Results

Embolisation was successful in 17 of 18 patients. Coiling was used in 10 patients, vascular plug in five, and both materials in two patients. All symptomatic patients with successful embolisation lost all their symptoms after treatment. Control angiography after embolisation showed a closure of AV shunt without migration of embolic material in all patients. Post-embolisation syndrome developed in four patients and late onset of pleural pain in three patients. There was no connection between pleural reaction and type of PAVM and embolic material.

Conclusions

Endovascular PAVM treatment is a minimally invasive, highly successful method with a low rate of only transitory complications.