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

OBJECTIVE

The 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

METHODS

Sixty 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.

RESULTS

AVMs 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.

CONCLUSION

Sixty four-slice spiral CTA can accurately demonstrate the morphological characteristics of AVMs.