Retrospective analysis of failures in radiosurgery treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations

The aim of this paper is to analyze retrospectively the reasons for the fai lure in cerebral arteriovenous malformations radiosurgery. Several factors are evoked and discussed mainly: inaccurate target, intenti onal partial irradiation, repermeabilization of a previously embolized cere bral arteriovenous malformation. The results suggest the necessity of a complete irradiation of the nidus. T he strategy of partial volume irradiation should be avoided even if it nece ssitates lowering of the doses in large cerebral arteriovenous malformation s. Accuracy in the target determination is required and a complete stereoan giography is necessary.