arteriovenosus

Arteriovenosus is a term used to describe a condition or abnormality involving both arteries and veins. It often refers to an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein, bypassing the normal capillary network. This bypass can occur in various parts of the body and may be congenital, meaning present at birth, or acquired due to injury or disease.

The most common form of arteriovenous connection is an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). AVMs can occur in the brain, lungs, spinal cord, or other organs. When an artery directly connects to a vein, the high pressure from the arterial system flows into the lower pressure venous system. This can lead to several complications. In the brain, AVMs can cause headaches, seizures, or bleeding. In other parts of the body, they might result in pain, swelling, or impaired function.

The diagnosis of arteriovenous conditions typically involves imaging techniques such as angiography, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment options depend on the location, size, and symptoms of the arteriovenous abnormality. These may include surgical removal, endovascular embolization (blocking the abnormal connection), or radiation therapy. In some cases, if the arteriovenous connection is small and asymptomatic, it may be monitored without intervention.