Neuropsychological improvements following endovascular embolization of arteriovenous malformation.
Two right-handed patients with large, left-hemisphere arteriovenous malformations (AVM) underwent serial endovascular embolization and neuropsychological testing procedures. One patient presented with hemorrhage, hemiplegia, and aphasia; the other patient presented with a seizure only with multiple cognitive impairments. Case 1 was assessed for motor-sensory skills in the left hand and for visual recall (nondominant hemisphere). Case 2 was administered a more global assessment of cognitive functions. Both patients demonstrated significant improvements in neuropsychological functions 1 month following endovascular embolization with >50% reduction in AVM volume. The nature and extent of these improvements are discussed with respect to intervention-related, reversed impairments.
From the Department of Neurosurgery and Division of Neuroradiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, U.S.A.
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Bowen
G K
GK
Steinberg
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Marks
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Acosta