AV MALFORMATION Meaning and
Definition
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An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) refers to an abnormal tangle or cluster of blood vessels in the body, where the arteries connect directly to the veins without going through the usual network of capillaries. AVMs can form in various areas of the body, but they are most commonly found in the brain and spine.
In the brain, an AV malformation can disrupt the normal flow of blood, increasing pressure on nearby tissues and potentially leading to hemorrhages (bleeding). This can cause neurological symptoms, such as seizures, headaches, weakness, or even more severe complications like paralysis or unconsciousness. AVMs in other parts of the body may not have such dramatic effects, but they can still pose health risks depending on their size and location.
The exact cause of AVMs is often unknown, but they are believed to arise during fetal development or develop over time. They are considered a congenital condition, meaning that individuals are born with them, although symptoms may not manifest until later in life. Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests such as angiography, MRI, or CT scans.
Treatment options for arteriovenous malformations depend on various factors, including the size, location, symptoms, and potential risks associated with the AVM. Approaches can range from observation and monitoring to surgical intervention, embolization (blocking off the abnormal blood vessels), or radiosurgery (using focused radiation to destroy the AVM). The choice of treatment is usually determined by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including neurosurgeons, interventional radiologists, and neurologists.
Common Misspellings for AV MALFORMATION
- zv malformation
- sv malformation
- wv malformation
- qv malformation
- ac malformation
- ab malformation
- ag malformation
- af malformation
- av nalformation
- av kalformation
- av jalformation
- av mzlformation
- av mslformation
- av mwlformation
- av mqlformation
- av makformation
- av mapformation
- av maoformation
- av maldormation
- av malcormation
Etymology of AV MALFORMATION
The term "AV malformation" is an abbreviation for an arteriovenous malformation. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Arterio: From Latin "arteria", meaning artery. Arteries are blood vessels responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body's tissues and organs.
2. Venous: From Latin "vena", meaning vein. Veins are blood vessels responsible for carrying oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart.
3. Malformation: From Latin "malus", meaning bad, and "forma", meaning form or shape. It refers to an abnormal or faulty development or structure.
Therefore, when combined, arteriovenous malformation describes an abnormal connection between arteries and veins. An AV malformation is characterized by the direct connection between arteries and veins without the presence of capillaries, disrupting the normal blood flow pattern in the body.
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