Etymed
arteriovenous malformation
Definition
An abnormal tangle of blood vessels where arteries connect directly to veins without the normal capillary bed, creating a direct shunt
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman presents with a history of severe headaches and has recently experienced a seizure. On examination, a bruit is heard over the left temporal region. Imaging reveals a focal mass with abnormal vascular flow. The patient's symptoms are most likely due to a vascular anomaly that bypasses normal capillary circulation.
Mnemonic
AVM = Arteriovenous Malformation - Think 'A' for Arteries and 'V' for Veins, with no 'Capillary' bed in between