Cerebral vascular malformations (CVM) include all those alterations in the correct development of the cerebral vascular system.
They include diseases that affect arteries,
veins and capillaries.
DSA is the gold standard method used for the diagnosis,
but recent adavances in MRi and CT are a good non-invasive alternatives.
The traditional pathologic classification of cerebro vascular malformation (CVMs) is based on the caliber,
configuration,
and histologic composition of the component vessels; their relationship to the normal cerebral vasculature; and the presence/ amount of the intervening brain parenchyma.
Four basic type are recognized:
(1) Arteriovenous malformation;
(2) venous vascular malformations (also known a "venous angiomas" or developmental venous anomalies,
DVAs);
(3) Capillary telangiectasias ;
(4) Cavernous malformations or "angiomas."
Transitional and histologically mixed malformations are also described.
The most widely used classification divides these conditions into two groups: CVM with direct arteriovenous comunication and without direct arteriovenous comunication.
Intraxial Vascular Malformations:
A.
CVMs with arteriovenous shunting:
1.
Plexiform arteriovenous malformations.
2.
Fistulae arteriovenous.
B.
CMVs without arteriovenous shunting:
1.
Capillary malformation( telangiectasia).
2.
Developmental venous anomalies.
3.
Cavernous malformation.
Extraxial Vascular Malformations:
Dural arteriovenous communications.