PULMONARY ARTERIOVENOUS-MALFORMATIONS

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are uncommon lesions, bu t are the cause of considerable morbidity and occasional mortality. Th ey most commonly occur in association with hereditary haemorrhagic tel angectasia and screening of families with this condition is therefore important. Embolization of PAVMs by coils is a well tolerated effectiv e procedure with a low complication rate in skilled hands. Treatment r esults in both symptomatic and physiological improvement, and evidence for a reduction in stroke and cerebral abscess is accumulating. Radio logical techniques now represent the primary treatment of choice, with surgical resection rarely required.