<%server.execute "isdev.asp"%> Scalp arteriovenous malformations in young Gupta R, Kayal A - J Pediatr Neurosci
home : about us : ahead of print : current issue : archives search instructions : subscriptionLogin 
Users online: 7077      Small font sizeDefault font sizeIncrease font size Print this page Email this page


 
  Table of Contents    
CASE REPORT
Year : 2014  |  Volume : 9  |  Issue : 3  |  Page : 263-266
 

Scalp arteriovenous malformations in young


Department of Neurosurgery, SAIMS Medical College and P.G. Institute, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India

Date of Web Publication23-Dec-2014

Correspondence Address:
Rakesh Gupta
101, Sukun Villa, 3/2 New Palasia, Indore - 452 001, Madhya Pradesh
India
Login to access the Email id

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/1817-1745.147587

Rights and Permissions

 

   Abstract 

Scalp arteriovenous malformations are an exceptional group of vascular lesions with curious presentations and an elusive natural history. Their detection in the pediatric population is a rarer occurrence. We discuss our experience with five children suffering from this pathology and their surgical management carried at our institution from 2007 to 2013. The genesis in pediatric patients is, usually, spontaneous in contrast with the history of trauma seen in adults. Clinical symptoms, usually, range from an asymptomatic lesion, local discomfort, headaches to necrosis and massive hemorrhage. Selective angiography remains the cornerstone for investigation. Complete surgical excision, embolization or an approach combining the modalities is curative.


Keywords: Angiography, arteriovenous malformation, pediatric, scalp, surgical excision


How to cite this article:
Gupta R, Kayal A. Scalp arteriovenous malformations in young. J Pediatr Neurosci 2014;9:263-6

How to cite this URL:
Gupta R, Kayal A. Scalp arteriovenous malformations in young. J Pediatr Neurosci [serial online] 2014 [cited 2023 Sep 24];9:263-6. Available from: https://www.pediatricneurosciences.com/text.asp?2014/9/3/263/147587



   Introduction Top


Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the scalp are peculiar lesions with even rarer presentation in the pediatric population. A well-known fact states their origin attributable to anomalous primitive fistulous connection between feeding arteries and draining veins, with the absence of intervening capillary bed. This state of high shunt flow between the two distinct vessel types and the complex vascular anatomy makes their treatment a challenging undertaking.

Historically their unusual portly appearance led to various synonyms being coined for the entity viz., aneurysm cirsoide, aneurysm serpentinum, aneurysm racemosum, aneurysm by anastmoses, aneurysmal varix, arteriovenous fistula, plexiform angioma. [1]

We encountered five cases of pediatric AVMs with their varied presentations between 2007 and 2013 [Table 1]. Their management strategy, treatments and outcomes are also discussed. This is first case series highlighting the nuances of this pathology in pediatric age group.
Table 1: Case summary of patients with scalp AVMs*

Click here to view



   Case Reports Top


Case 1

An 11-year-old male child presented with a 6 years history of a left fronto-temporal throbbing scalp swelling and occasional headaches. The swelling was initially inconspicuous and gradually progressed. There was no previous history of trauma, head injury or birthmarks. Examination revealed a pulsatile swelling, 9.4 cm in size with bluish discoloration of scalp [Figure 1]. It was mobile over the skull and demonstrated a bruit upon auscultation. Cerebral angiography showed moderate dilatation of the superficial temporal artery and its frontal branch with a serpiginous collection of vessels in the fronto-temporal region [Figure 2]. The mass was excised following ligation of feeding vessels.
Figure 1: Left frontal scalp arteriovenous malformation in a 11-year-old (Case 1)

Click here to view
Figure 2: Three-dimensional reconstruction of carotid angiogram showing scalp arteriovenous malformation arising from anterior branch of superficial temporal artery

Click here to view


Case 2

A 12-year-old girl came to our hospital with a spontaneous bleeding from a large left fronto-temporo-parietal scalp swelling which was present since birth and gradually attained its present size. She complained of infrequent headaches, and the swelling had spontaneously bled at a previous occasion 1 month back and had resulted in severe hemodynamic shock for which the patient was treated elsewhere. A large 18.6 cm fronto-temporo-parietal, pulsatile scalp swelling with a scar from previous hemorrhage was observed [Figure 3]. The angiogram revealed moderate dilatation of left superficial temporal artery (STA) with gross dilatation and tortuous course of its frontal branch along its entire length. After hemodynamic stabilization, the patient underwent resection of the lesion after attaining proximal control [Figure 4]. She remains asymptomatic till date.
Figure 3: A large fronto-temporo-parietal pulsatile mass with history of recurrent bleeding

Click here to view
Figure 4: Intra-operative image (Case 2) showing complete excision of scalp arteriovenous malformation

Click here to view


Case 5

A 16-year-old male attended the outpatient department with a swelling over the occipital region since 2 years. The onset of lesion was following a trivial trauma to the occipital region by a brick. Even though the patient was asymptomatic, the swelling bothered him while combing his hair. Examination showed a small (3 cm) pulsatile mass over the occiput. Angiogram displayed an AVM over the occipital region at the region of confluence of occipital artery and parietal branch of STA [Figure 5]. Surgical resection of the lesion was done with proximal and distal vessel ligation.
Figure 5: Carotid angiogram showing an occipital scalp arteriovenous malformation fed by occipital artery

Click here to view



   Discussion Top


Arteriovenous malformations in the pediatric population are a singular occurrence. They are 20 times more common in the brain involving or supplied by intracranial vasculature than those formed by branches of external carotid arteries. [2] When occurring in scalp, AVMs are noticed in late childhood, adolescent or early adulthood, when substantial esthetic and social disturbance necessitate their treatment. [3] The pediatric lesions differ from adult AVMs in terms of their etiology, age of presentation, cosmetic impact and excellent outcome with early management.

Khodadad proposed four major etiologies causative of AVMs viz. Congenital, Traumatic, Infection and Inflammation and Familial. [1] Of these, the congenital occurrence is a predominant finding amongst young age group. Congenital and traumatic causes were the only ones our patients presented with various explanations for the formation of congenital AVMs have been proposed: persistent primitive arteriovenous communications, vascular hamartomas, fistula formation between arteries and veins. On the other hand, traumatic AVMs are attributed to fistula formation only. [1]

Traumatic AVMs can occur at any age whereas symptomatic congenital AVMs are not common until the second decade of life. This has been attributed to mechanical trauma, vasomotor disturbance, inflammation or endocrine stimulation (pregnancy or puberty) which may rupture the thin embryonic membrane between the fistulous connection or promote uncontrolled growth of vessels. [1],[4] This was also noted in our cases. Cervicofacial involvement is most common in the cheeks, ears, nose, and less commonly forehead. [3] The subcutaneous tissue of the scalp is supplied by external carotid, occipital and supraorbital arteries. Of these, the region supplied by STA is most frequently affected owing to its long unprotected course. [5],[6]

Disease progression of scalp AVMs not only renders the swelling bigger but presents with a wide array of clinical manifestations. Physical disfigurement, throbbing sensations, tinnitus and headaches are mostly associated in early stages. Persistent pain, scalp necrosis, bone erosion, life-threatening hemorrhage, cardiovascular failure, cerebral steal phenomenon and seizures are symptomatology of late destructive and decompensated lesions. [1],[3] Shenoy and Raja documented two cases in their series with bleeding from the lesion as was noted in one of our case and is associated with large vascular lesions. [7] The disease advancement and presentation is appropriately taken into account in Schobinger's Classification of AVMs [Table 2]. [3] In our patients, four cases belonged to Stage II that is, "Stage of Expansion" and one categorized as Stage III; "Stage of Destruction" lesion.
Table 2: Schobinger staging for AVMs[3]

Click here to view


Cranial angiography is of great merit in achieving a quality diagnosis and treatment selection. This is also helpful in surgical planning. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also of significance in establishing a diagnosis. [8] MRI also aids in identifying any intracranial extension or involvement neither of which were found in our cases. Selective angiography must be done to rule out other differentials such as aneurysms, sinus pericranii, venous malformation and cavernous hemangioma. [8]

The therapeutic modalities available to manage these lesions include: Surgical excision, vessel ligation, transarterial or transvenous embolization, sclerosant injection into nidus and electrothrombosis. [9] Combined approach with preoperative embolization followed by surgical excision has been described with excellent results. [10],[11] Percutaneous direct puncture coil embolization of cirsoid aneurysms is a safe and effective procedure. It can be effectively used as an alternative to surgery. [12] Barnwell et al. treated eight patients with scalp AVMs successfully using coil embolization of the main vessel, followed by injection of embolic agents to occlude the collateral supply. [5] Direct puncture embolization and transarterial embolization as an adjunct to it (in 4 patients), were used in 15 patients by Gupta et al. They achieved effective embolization with single sitting procedure in 11 patients, two patients required multiple sittings and two required surgical resection of lesions for cosmetic reasons. This study emphasizes endovascular management as a successful treatment modality and highlights the role of surgery as a definitive therapeutic option. [12]

Well-planned surgery of cirsoid aneurysm of the scalp without preoperative interventions can also achieve complete excision of the lesion without any residual masses or recurrence and with a low incidence of complications. [13] However, excision of secondary scalp venous dilatation without treatment of intracranial component can be dangerous. [7] All our patients underwent complete surgical excision of the AVM nidus with ligation of proximal and distal draining vessels with excellent cosmetic results and without recurrences. The procedure involves achieving proximal control of the feeding vessel, fashioning the scalp flap depending upon the anatomy of nidus and raising it with pericranium, the feeding vessels are traced distally to nidus by incising the galea, vessels traced distally towards the nidus; ligated and divided and malformation separated from galea by incising it circumferentially [Figure 6]a-d. Endovascular therapy is a valid therapeutic option for AVMs but surgical excision remains the most successful curative modality for complex, recurrent and otherwise usual scalp AVMs. A successful outcome depends on complete removal of the AVM, secure ligation of proximal and distal vessels and preeminent prudence for cosmesis.
Figure 6: Operative steps of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) excision: (a) Achieving proximal control of superficial temporal artery, (b) raising of scalp flap, (c) dissection of vessels from galea and ligation, (d) specimen of AVM

Click here to view


 
   References Top

1.
Khodadad G. Arteriovenous malformations of the scalp. Ann Surg 1973;177:79-85.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.
Weinzweig N, Chin G, Polley J, Charbel F, Shownkeen H, Debrun G. Arteriovenous malformation of the forehead, anterior scalp, and nasal dorsum. Plast Reconstr Surg 2000;105:2433-9.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.
Schobinger MP, Hansen M, Pribaz JJ, Mulliken JB. Arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck: Natural history and management. Plast Reconstr Surg 1998;102:643-54.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.
Fisher-Jeffes ND, Domingo Z, Madden M, de Villiers JC. Arteriovenous malformations of the scalp. Neurosurgery 1995;36:656-60.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.
Barnwell SL, Halbach VV, Dowd CF, Higashida RT, Hieshima GB. Endovascular treatment of scalp arteriovenous fistulas associated with a large varix. Radiology 1989;173:533-9.  Back to cited text no. 5
    
6.
Burrus TM, Miller GM, Flynn LP, Fulgham JR, Lanzino G. NeuroImages. Symptomatic left temporal arteriovenous traumatic fistula. Neurology 2009;73:570.  Back to cited text no. 6
    
7.
Shenoy SN, Raja A. Scalp arteriovenous malformations. Neurol India 2004;52:478-81.  Back to cited text no. 7
[PUBMED]  Medknow Journal  
8.
Hasturk AE, Erten F, Ayata T. Giant non-traumatic arteriovenous malformation of the scalp. Asian J Neurosurg 2012;7:39-41.  Back to cited text no. 8
[PUBMED]  Medknow Journal  
9.
Gurkanlar D, Gonul M, Solmaz I, Gonul E. Cirsoid aneurysms of the scalp. Neurosurg Rev 2006;29:208-12.  Back to cited text no. 9
    
10.
Nagasaka S, Fukushima T, Goto K, Ohjimi H, Iwabuchi S, Maehara F. Treatment of scalp arteriovenous malformation. Neurosurgery 1996;38:671-7.  Back to cited text no. 10
    
11.
Kumar R, Sharma G, Sharma BS. Management of scalp arterio-venous malformation: Case series and review of literature. Br J Neurosurg 2012;26:371-7.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.
Gupta AK, Purkayastha S, Bodhey NK, Kapilamoorthy TR, Krishnamoorthy T, Kesavadas C, et al. Endovascular treatment of scalp cirsoid aneurysms. Neurol India 2008;56:167-72.  Back to cited text no. 12
[PUBMED]  Medknow Journal  
13.
El Shazly AA, Saoud KM. Results of surgical excision of cirsoid aneurysm of the scalp without preoperative interventions. Asian J Neurosurg 2012;7:191-6.  Back to cited text no. 13
[PUBMED]  Medknow Journal  


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4], [Figure 5], [Figure 6]
 
 
    Tables

  [Table 1], [Table 2]


This article has been cited by
1 A Vascular Quartet: Scalp Arteriovenous Malformation, Sinus Pericranii, Dural Arteriovenous Fistula, and Arteriovenous Brain Malformation in a Single Patient
Anand Kaul, Srinivasa P Kanuparthi, Kadir Erkmen
Cureus. 2023;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
2 A Rare Case of Scalp Arteriovenous Malformation in an Adolescent Patient
Muna Talafha, Sarah Al Sharie, Osama J Abu-Hamdiyah, Mohammad Araydah, Lou'i Al-Husinat, Giustino Varrassi
Cureus. 2023;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
3 Combined Treatment of High-Flow Scalp Arteriovenous Malformations
Pierce L. Janssen, Peter J. Taub, Naoum Fares Marayati, Tomoyoshi Shigematsu, Alejandro Berenstein
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2022; 33(3): 769
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
4 Case report: Endovascular treatment of two scalp arteriovenous malformation cases via direct percutaneous catheterization: A case series
Yuan Shi, Peixi Liu, Yingtao Liu, Kai Quan, Peiliang Li, Zongze Li, Wei Zhu, Yanlong Tian
Frontiers in Neurology. 2022; 13
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
5 Congenital systemic arteriovenous fistulas: Interventional strategies and embryological perspectives
AnandP Subramanian, Mahimarangaiah Jayranganath, AdaligereParaswanath Bharath, Ashita Barthur, UshaMandikal Kodandarama Sastry, AntoonF M. Moorman
Annals of Pediatric Cardiology. 2022; 15(2): 138
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
6 Scalp arteriovenous malformation with dual bilateral arterial feeders: Case report and review of literature
Sahal Wali, Ahmad Alsolmi, Mohammed Babgi, Ashwag Alqurashi, Doaa Alghamdi, Khalid Bajunaid, Saleh Baeesa
Interdisciplinary Neurosurgery. 2022; 27: 101431
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
7 Emergent Hybrid Treatment of a Ruptured Scalp Arteriovenous Fistula with Eyelid involvement: Technical Note
Juan Felipe Abaunza-Camacho, David Vergara-Garcia, Francisco Perez, Camilo Benavides, Alberto Caballero, Jorge Torres, William Mauricio Riveros
Journal of Neurological Surgery Part A: Central European Neurosurgery. 2021; 82(05): 490
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
8 Scalp Cirsoid Aneurysms: Case Illustration and Systematic Review of Literature
Agbolahan Sofela, Temidayo Osunronbi, Samantha Hettige
Neurosurgery. 2020; 86(2): E98
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
9 Scalp Arteriovenous Malformation (Cirsoid Aneurysm) in Adolescence: Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature
Daphne Li, Daniel M. Heiferman, Brian D. Rothstein, Hasan R. Syed, Ali Shaibani, Tadanori Tomita
World Neurosurgery. 2018; 116: e1042
[Pubmed] | [DOI]



 

Top
Print this article  Email this article
 
 
  Search
 
  
 
    Similar in PUBMED
   Search Pubmed for
   Search in Google Scholar for
 Related articles
    Article in PDF (2,299 KB)
    Citation Manager
    Access Statistics
    Reader Comments
    Email Alert *
    Add to My List *
* Registration required (free)  


    Abstract
   Introduction
   Case Reports
   Discussion
    References
    Article Figures
    Article Tables

 Article Access Statistics
    Viewed5185    
    Printed117    
    Emailed0    
    PDF Downloaded120    
    Comments [Add]    
    Cited by others 9    

Recommend this journal