Association of intracranial arteriovenous malformation embolization with more rapid rate of perfusion in the peri-nidal region on color-coded quantitative digital subtraction angiography.

Background Hemodynamic alterations post-embolization of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may cause delayed edema/hemorrhage in brain parenchyma adjacent to the lesion. Objective To quantify and compare cerebral perfusion changes in the peri-AVM territory pre- and post-embolization using color-coded quantitative digital subtraction angiography (q-DSA). Methods Pediatric intracranial AVM embolization procedures performed over a 5 year period were included. DSA images of all patients were retrospectively assessed using syngo iFlow. Regions of interest (ROI) were selected on anteroposterior and lateral q-DSA views: three in the peri-AVM region; two in parenchyma distant from the AVM. Time-to-peak (TTP) contrast enhancement of ROIs and ∆TTP (TTP at the selected ROI minus TTP at either the ipsilateral internal carotid/vertebral artery) were measured. Result 19 pediatric patients with 19 AVMs (9 males/10 females, mean age 12 years) underwent intracranial AVM embolization: 15/19 AVMs were supplied by the anterior circulation and 4/19 by the posterior circulation. Blood flow was significantly slower post-embolization in the draining vein (19/19) (p Conclusion This study demonstrates more rapid perfusion in the peri-nidal brain parenchyma post-embolization of the AVM, which supports the theory that increased perfusion in normal tissue surrounding the AVM after embolization may underlie some post-procedural complications.