Transrectal ultrasound findings of pelvic arteriovenous malformation

Congenital arteriovenous malformation in the pelvis is uncommon, particular ly in males. Therefore, this entity is difficult to diagnose because of the lack of specific signs and symptoms.' Patients with pelvic arteriovenous m alformation are at risk for massive bleeding when undergoing transrectal bi opsies or transurethral resection of the prostate.(1,2) We report a case in which pelvic arteriovenous malformation was diagnosed on transrectal ultra sound during prostatic biopsy. Transrectal ultrasound demonstrated a tubula r and tortuous hypoechoic lesion adjacent to the prostate, which was subseq uently identified as a pelvic arteriovenous malformation on computerized to mography (CT) and arteriography. To our knowledge there have been no report s of transrectal ultrasound images of pelvic arteriovenous malformations.