Salvage Therapy for Brain Arteriovenous Malformations After Failure of Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate delayed complications in patients with brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM) after Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery and to present the salvage therapy experiences of patients with BAVM with radiation-induced changes (RICs) or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

This cohort consisted of 44 patients with BAVM who underwent failed GKRS between 2000 and 2015. These patients were further divided into an RIC group (23 patients) and an ICH group (21 patients) based on their post-GKRS complications. The patients' characteristics, treatment strategies, and long-term outcomes were analyzed. The modified Rankin Scale was used to assess the neurologic status of each patient.

RESULTS

In our study, the marginal dose and radiosurgery-based arteriovenous malformation score were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Craniotomy was performed in 26 patients (9 patients with ICH and 17 patients with RICs), and histologic examination showed cavernous angioma changes in 6 patients. In addition, 6 patients underwent repeat radiosurgery in the ICH group, and 7 patients used bevacizumab in the RIC group. Thirty patients showed good outcomes at the last follow-up (modified Rankin Scale score <3).

CONCLUSIONS

Salvage therapy for patients with BAVM should be performed based on the latency period and lesion characteristics of each individual. Prompt treatment and a longer follow-up are recommended to achieve good clinical outcomes.