Point-Of-Care Ultrasound in the Assessment of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations.

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular anomalies characterized by direct connections between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillary network. They can lead to serious complications such as intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, and elevated intracranial pressure. While imaging modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and digital subtraction angiography remain essential for diagnosis and treatment planning, brain point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) offers a valuable complementary tool, particularly in emergency and critical care settings. This pictorial review highlights the role of different ultrasound modalities in the evaluation of AVMs. B-mode ultrasound is useful for identifying structural abnormalities and secondary effects such as hemorrhage and hydrocephalus. Color and power Doppler imaging allow visualization of abnormal vascular flow patterns within the nidus, while spectral Doppler provides hemodynamic information. Although limited by bone windows and operator dependency, brain POCUS offers a rapid, noninvasive bedside assessment that can aid in the early recognition and monitoring of AVMs and their complications.