Coexistence of brain arteriovenous malformations and intracranial aneurysms: analysis of associated factors

Purpose To determine whether the characteristics of brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) are associated with the coexistence of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Material and methods The analysis included imaging data of 89 patients who were diagnosed with the BAVM through digital subtraction angiography. Morphological characteristics of BAVMs and aneurysms, arterial supply and venous drainage of the BAVM, and the presence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were retrospectively evaluated. A comparative analysis of the characteristics of the BAVMs was performed between the group with BAVMs alone and the group with BAVMs with aneurysms. The assessment of BAVMs was based on the Spetzler-Martin scale, while the classification of IAs was based on BAVM vascularity. Results BAVMs associated with IAs (n = 28), compared to BAVMs alone (n = 61), showed no significant differences in BAVM nidus size (27.32 vs. 26.10 mm) or number of arterial supply sources (64.29% vs. 54.10% for a single source). BAVM patients with aneurysms experienced significantly more ICH (57.14% vs. 34.43%; p < 0.05). A total of 42 IAs with an average size of 4.92 mm were described, of which 42.86% were multiple. Flow-related aneurysms were the most common type (n = 26, 61.90%). The type of aneurysm had no statistically significant effect on the incidence of bleeding. Conclusions The coexistence of BAVMs and IAs was observed in 31.46% of patients in this study. The presence of IAs, regardless of their type, increased the risk of intracerebral bleeding in patients with BAVM.