A comprehensive review of radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformations: outcomes, predictive factors, and grading scales

Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 2008;86(3):191-9. doi: 10.1159/000126945. Epub 2008 Apr 18.

Abstract

The management of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) continues to present a challenge to neurosurgeons. The natural history of this condition, as well as the morbidity and mortality of therapeutic interventions, remains incompletely elucidated. Predictive factors and grading scales in AVM management allow risk-benefit analysis of treatment options and comparison of outcomes. Stereotactic radiosurgery is one of the established treatment modalities for AVMs and is generally used to treat lesions that are high risk for surgical resection. Radiosurgery aims to obliterate AVMs and thus prevent hemorrhage or seizure without any new or worsening of existing symptoms. Lesion characteristics and postsurgical complications differ markedly in patientstreated by radiosurgery versus microsurgery. Radiosurgery-based grading systems account for factors that have been associated with various aspects of radiosurgical outcomes including obliteration, hemorrhage, and postoperative complications, particularly those induced by radiation. The purpose of this paper is to describe the most current predictive factors and grading systems for radiosurgical treatment of cerebral AVMs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / classification*
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / pathology
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / surgery*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Radiosurgery / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weights and Measures* / standards