title: Experiences in managing arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck.
abstract: Arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck are difficult to treat and require a multidisciplinary approach. Interventional radiology can now be used to downgrade previously inoperable lesions to enable ablation, and the use of Onyx® (Covidien, Irvine, CA, USA), which has revolutionised their management by allowing precise obliteration of the nidus, has enabled the aggressive management of lesions in compromised anatomical areas. We report a series of 31 patients with lesions on the head and neck. They all presented with serious symptoms (Schobinger grade 2-3) and had embolisation with Onyx®. Some had additional operations. We describe the outcome including complications, and offer some lessons learned from our experience.
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Birmingham, The new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW. Electronic address: kevinmcmillan@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McMillan
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Birmingham, The new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW. Electronic address: dunphylmb@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dunphy
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Birmingham, The new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW. Electronic address: Hiroshi.Nishikawa@uhb.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nishikawa
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Birmingham, The new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW. Electronic address: Andrew.Monaghan@uhb.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Monaghan
mesh_terms: D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D006257:Head / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000098:blood supply*; D015642:Radiology, Interventional; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Arteriovenous Malfomations; Embolisation; Head and neck; ONYX