Posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations.
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.
Arnaout
Omar M
OM
Department of Neurological Surgery, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Gross
Bradley A
BA
Eddleman
Christopher S
CS
Bendok
Bernard R
BR
Getch
Christopher C
CC
Batjer
H Hunt
HH
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*