Congenital arteriovenous malformation of the scalp--case report.

A case of congenital arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the scalp containing a complex vascular network is described. The AVM was totally removed, together with its feeding artery and draining veins. Congenital AVM of the scalp is rare; only 21 other cases have been reported since 1973. All involved complex vascular networks, and about one half of the patients had red or purple birthmarks. These clinical features clearly differ from those of traumatic arteriovenous fistulae of the scalp. Although many treatment approaches have been tried, total excision appears to be the most appropriate.