Profile of AV Malformations - An Experience of Tertiary Care Centre

Background: AV malformations are aberrations in the development of vessels with varied presentations that may lead to aesthetic, limb and life-threatening complications. Identification and treatment of the vascular malformations is a challenging task for surgeons. Aims & Objectives: To study clinical presentation/ diagnostic modalities/ treatment strategies, complications and recurrence rates of surgical and other interventional strategies. Material and Methods: A retrospective study of 150 patients who were treated over a period of 3 years from a tertiary centre with regular follow-ups was done to study the best diagnostic and treatment plans for initial and recurrent lesions. Results: The study showed an age group of <1-75 years with a wide range of clinical presentations. Doppler ultrasonography supplemented by CT/MRI angiography was the main diagnostic tool. Surgery followed by hybrid and intralesional interventions were used for primary and recurrent lesions showing varying degrees of recurrence rates (25%). Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach is important in the management of AV malformations. Coloured Doppler with CT/MRI angiography was the best diagnostic tool. Overall surgery alone or in hybrid forms was the mainstay of treatment.