Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are abnormal connections between pulmonary arteries and veins. They allow blood to bypass normal oxygen exchange in the lungs and can permit small clots to enter the circulation.
Symptoms
Some people have no symptoms. Others may experience breathlessness, low oxygen levels, bluish lips or complications related to abnormal blood flow.
How interventional radiology treats it
Embolisation is the main catheter-based treatment for suitable malformations. A catheter is guided into the feeding vessel, and coils or plugs are used to block abnormal blood flow. Imaging helps identify the vessels involved. Follow-up is important to check that the malformation remains closed.
Whether this treatment suits you depends on your scans and overall health. A consultation is the first step.
Your doctors
Talk to an interventional radiologist.
Bring any scans or reports you have. We’ll tell you whether this treatment is an option.