Quantitative sonography of arteriovenous malformations.

Congenital vascular malformations occur in 1.5% of the general population. Depending on their localization and morphology, with dysfunction of local a nd central hemodynamics as well as tissue metabolism, congenital peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are of particular importance within the larger, heterogeneous group of diseases which comprise vascular malformatio ns. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate our ability to quantify peri pheral congenital AVM using sonographic, functional-hemodynamic, and morpho logical parameters. Method: Apart from obtaining a medical history and appl ying clinical and venous occlusion plethysmographic diagnostics, sonographi c examinations of peripheral arteries and veins using cw-Doppler sonography and color-coded duplex sonography were performed on 8 patients with periph eral congenital AVM. For comparative purposes, the results of preinterventi on angiography examinations were also considered. Results: For a sonographi c quantification of AVM at the time of diagnosis, during assessments of dis eases progress, and postinterventionally, both the resistance index of Pour celot and measurement of the vascular blood flow velocities appeared to be particularly appropriate as functional-hemodynamic parameters. The sonomorp hological parameters reflect the individual vascular pathology, which is de termined by hemodynamic changes. Conclusion: Functional-hemodynamic and son omorphologic parameters allow a quantification of AVM. With knowledge of th e clinical picture aquired at the time, they provide the basis for deciding upon a more extensive pre-interventional invasive radiological diagnosis.