Arteriovenous malformation presenting as a complex pelvic mass with ureteral obstruction. A case report.

BACKGROUND

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are an abnormal communication between arterial and venous structures. Pelvic AVMs have been infrequently described in the literature and represent an uncommon cause of a palpable pelvic mass.

CASE: A case of pelvic AVM with ureteral obstruction occurred. The location and radiologic appearance of the AVM suggested a complex adnexal mass. During exploration and resection of the mass, significant bleeding was encountered. The diagnosis of AVM was made only retrospectively, with histologic examination of the specimen.

CONCLUSION

AVMs are an uncommon and unique cause of pelvic pathology. Preoperative diagnosis will alert the surgeon as to the technically difficult resection that may be encountered and to the massive bleeding that can be associated with their removal.