title: The embryologic basis for the anatomy of the cerebral vasculature related to arteriovenous malformations.
abstract: A detailed understanding of vascular anatomy is essential to facilitate appropriate decision-making by clinicians responsible for treating arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the brain and dura. This work reviews the embryologic development of the cerebral vasculature, including the dural venous sinuses, with a focus on the relevant angioarchitecture. There is little doubt that dural AVM are acquired lesions; however, conflicting evidence exists regarding the pathophysiology of brain AVM. Patients described in this review provide support for both of the proposed mechanisms for the development of brain AVM (post-natal development compared to embryologic origin). Further work is required to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of these lesions.
authors.affiliation: Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, 2 Technology Place, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia. andrew.davidson@mq.edu.au
authors.forename: Andrew S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000196:embryology; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000473:pathology*