Musculoskeletal arteriovenous malformations

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Musculoskeletal arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are typically congenital, growing with age and may not manifest until adolescence or adulthood. Spinal AVMs are discussed separately.

Clinical presentation

Patients can present with a palpable mass (with or without erythema or a thrill) and/or pain .

Pathology

Musculoskeletal AVMs can occur within :

  • soft tissues
    • subcutaneous
    • intramuscular
    • intermuscular fascia
  • joints
    • repeated intra-articular bleeds can produce degenerative change similar to haemophilic arthropathy
  • bone: rare; mostly craniofacial with appendicular skeletal even more rarely involved