Is Surgery Still an Option in Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations Management?

Abstract

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are fistulous connections between pulmonary arteries and veins, associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. It can be associated with a wide range of complications. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the best noninvasive diagnosis modality. Treatment is recommended for symptomatic patients or those having a feeding artery diameter superior to 3 mm. We present here the case of a 69-year-old man with a complex PAVM, peripherally localized with a feeding artery diameter bigger than 3 mm intentionally treated via an open middle lobe wedge resection via axillary mini thoracotomy over embolotherapy, showing that it comes with less risk and at a lower cost.

Keywords

• thoracotomy
• lung surgery
• pulmonary arteriovenous malformations