Animal model for cerebral arteriovenous malformation.
BACKGROUND
The present study was conducted to establish an animal model for the investigation of the pathophysiology and haemodynamics of cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) but also to assess therapeutic aspects.


METHODS
For anatomic and haemodynamic reasons, dogs were chosen as the animal model. An arteriovenous fistula was created by interposing a segment of the superficial temporal artery between one of the main branches of the middle cerebral artery and the dorsal sagittal sinus. A temporal muscle graft supplied by this artery was implanted intracerebrally in the ischaemic area.


RESULTS
The angiographic and histopathologic findings obtained in the animal model are comparable with the situation found in intracerebral AVM in humans.


CONCLUSIONS
The animal model of intracerebral AVM established in this study allows for further investigation of the pathophysiology and dynamics of this disorder. It may help to develop better therapeutic options and thus improve the prognosis of affected patients.
Pietilä
T A
TA
Department of Neurosurgery, Free University of Berlin, Germany.
Zabramski
J M
JM
Thèllier-Janko
A
A
Duveneck
K
K
Bichard
W D
WD
Brock
M
M
Spetzler
R F
RF
D000818:Animals; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000473:pathology; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000473:pathology; D002533:Cerebral Angiography / Q000662:veterinary; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000473:pathology; D020768:Middle Cerebral Artery / Q000473:pathology; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000473:pathology