Embolization of pulmonary AVMs of feeding arteries less than 3 mm: reports of two cases and an 8-year follow-up without embolization

Abstract

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) with feeding arteries of 3 mm or more have been shown to be associated with paradoxical embolization and serious neurologic complications. Therefore it is generally recommended to occlude feeding arteries of this size, while smaller feeding arteries often are left untreated. However, neurologic complications have also been described in patients with small PAVMs, and it has not been possible to stratify risk by size of feeding artery and thus there is no evidence that 3 mm is the critical size of the feeding artery potentially giving complications. Further, it is well-known that with time PAVMs and their feeding arteries may enlarge. Also, embolization of small feeding arteries will minimize the risk of paradoxical emboli and reduce the need for CT follow-up controls in these patients. Two cases demonstrate the possibility to embolize small feeding arteries.