title: Posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations.
abstract: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the posterior fossa are complex neurovascular lesions that are less common than their supratentorial counterparts, accounting for < 15% of all AVMs. The majority of patients with these lesions present with intracranial hemorrhage, a factor that has been consistently shown to increase one's risk for subsequent bleeding. Studies have additionally shown a posterior fossa or deep AVM location to portend a more aggressive natural history. The authors reviewed the literature on posterior fossa AVMs, finding their annual rupture rates to be as high as 11.6%, an important factor that underscores the importance of aggressive treatment of lesions amenable to intervention as therapeutic options and results continue to improve.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Omar M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Arnaout
authors.forename: Bradley A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.forename: Christopher S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Eddleman
authors.forename: Bernard R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Bendok
authors.forename: Christopher C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Getch
authors.forename: H Hunt
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Batjer
mesh_terms: D001488:Basilar Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D014715:Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*