Absence of an angiogenic factor in large systemic arteriovenous malformations.
OBJECTIVE
Large symptomatic arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are currently managed by a combination of surgery, embolization, and supportive measures. If patients with such lesions should have a circulating factor responsible for their growth and development, the evolution of a more rational therapy might be possible.


METHODS
To explore this possibility, sera from 14 patients with high-flow systemic AVMs, widely distributed anatomically, were tested for the presence of a circulating growth factor using an assay already successfully used to isolate such a factor in diabetics with proliferative retinopathy.


RESULTS
None of the patients tested positive for such a factor.


CONCLUSIONS
This result, although negative, contributes to our knowledge of the biology of these uncommon but important lesions and leads us to conclude that, for the foreseeable future, embolization is likely to remain the most effective form of treatment for high-flow AVMs.
Dawson
P
P
Department of Radiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, England.
Kennedy
A
A
Petty
R G
RG
D000328:Adult; D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000097:blood*; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000097:blood*; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents