Microsurgical treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations in Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute (recent experience)

: Recently the number of AVM resections in Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute has been increased dramatically. Aim of this study was to assess the results of open surgery in our clinic in modern neurosurgical era. Consecutive series if 160 patients with AVM treated using microsurgical technique since 2009 till 2011 was analyzed. Spetzler-Martin score distribution was: grade I--29 (18.1%) cases, grade II--84 (52.5%), grade III--38 (23.8%), grade IV--9 (5.6%). Patients with grade V AVMs were not operated. Treatment options included: AVM resection in 143 (89.4%) cases, embolization followed by resection in 15 (9.3%) and clipping of afferents in 2 (1.3%). Glasgow outcome scale score distribution was the following: V (good recovery)--70 (43.7%), IV (moderate disability)--71 (44.4%), III (severe disability)--16 (10%), II (vegetative state)--1 (0.6%) and I (death)--2 (1.3%). Microsurgery remains the primary option for radical treatment of cerebral AVMs. Careful selection of patients and planning of surgery are crucial for good outcomes.