Three-dimensional CT angiography for the diagnosis and assessment of arteriovenous malformations in the oral and maxillofacial region

SummaryObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA) for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the oral and maxillofacial region.Materials and methodsSixty four-slice spiral CT angiography of oral or maxillofacial region was performed in 8 patients with surgically proven arteriovenous malformations. The morphologic features, size, location, boundary, and feeding and draining vessels of lesions were reviewed.ResultsAVMs in 5 patients were located in the soft tissues and 3 were in the mandible. CTA of all cases showed tangles of disorganized vessels with well-defined borders. The feeding and draining vessels were enlarged and tortuous. Four patients had bone involvement.ConclusionSixty four-slice spiral CTA can accurately demonstrate the morphological characteristics of AVMs.