ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATION PRESENTING AS A COMPLEX PELVIC MASS WITH URETERAL OBSTRUCTION - A CASE-REPORT

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are an abnormal communi cation between arterial and venous structures. Pelvic AVMs have been i nfrequently described in the literature and represent an uncommon caus e of a palpable pelvic mass. CASE: A case of pelvic AVM with ureteral obstruction occurred. The location and ra diologic appearance of the A VM suggested a complex adnexal mass. During exploration and resection of the mass, significant bleeding was encountered. The diagnosis of AV M was made only retrospectively, with histologic examination of the sp ecimen. CONCLUSION: AVMs are an uncommon and unique cause of pelvic pa thology. Preoperative diagnosis will alert the surgeon as to the techn ically difficult resection that may be encountered and to the massive bleeding that can be associated with their removal.