Acquired cerebral arteriovenous malformation induced by an anaplastic astrocytoma: An interesting case

High grade gliomas foster an environment rich in angiogenic factors that pr omote neovascularity. We report a case of a cerebral arteriovenous malforma tion, which developed in the setting of a high grade astrocytoma. The patie nt presented with complaints of confusion and left hemiparesis. An initial cerebral angiogram was normal. Repeat angiography six weeks later demonstra ted an extremely vascular lesion with arteriovenous shunting involving the right thalamus and occipital lobe. Histopathologic evaluation of open biops y and autopsy specimens demonstrated a high grade astrocytoma in associatio n with an arteriovenous malformation. Immunohistochemical staining with VEG F was diffusely positive. A possible role for the hyperangiogenic environme nt of a high grade astrocytoma resulting in the development of an arteriove nous malformation is discussed.