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Cerebral vascular malformations and their imaging modalities

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Abstract

Cerebrovascular malformations are uncommon diverse group of dysmorphic vascular communications that may occur sporadically or as part of genetic syndromes. These include non-neoplastic lesions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVM), cavernous malformations (CM), developmental venous anomalies (DVA), and telangiectasias as well as others like arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), vein of Galen malformations (VOGM), and mixed or unclassified angiomas. These lesions often carry a high degree of morbidity and mortality often requiring surgical or endovascular interventions. The field of cerebrovascular anomalies has seen considerable advancement in the last few years. Treatment and management options of various types of brain anomalies have evolved in neurological, neurosurgical, and neuro-interventional radiology arena. The use of radiological imaging studies is a critical element for treatment of such neurosurgical cases. As imaging modalities continue to evolve at a rapid pace, it is imperative for neurological surgeons to be familiar with current imaging modalities essential for a precise diagnosis. Better understanding of these cerebrovascular lesions along with their associated imaging findings assists in determining the appropriate treatment options. In the current review, authors highlight various cerebrovascular malformations and their current imaging modalities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA

    Atif Zafar & Mudassir Farooqui

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, CA, USA

    Brian Fiani, Hamid Hadi, Mohammad Arshad & Alessandra Cathel

  3. Division of Neuroradiology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Muhammad Naeem & Matthew S. Parsons

  4. Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Abigail A. Bucklin, Michael J. Leone & Syed A. Quadri

  5. Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan

    Aqsa Baig

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Zafar, A., Fiani, B., Hadi, H. et al. Cerebral vascular malformations and their imaging modalities. Neurol Sci 41, 2407–2421 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04415-4

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