A Rare Case of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation - A Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) are rare anomalies of pulmonary vascular system which may be incidentally detected or can have manifestations resulting from right to left shunt. PAVM can cause various systemic implications including central nervous system complications like stroke, brain abscess due to paradoxical emboli which mostly seen in previously undiagnosed PAVMs indicating importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention in PAVM. Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) is the diagnostic method of choice in PAVM. We present here a unique case of complex multiple PAVM presented with refractory hypoxemia in a middle aged patient diagnosed in our centre initially evaluated for malignancy based on chest radiography & High Resolution Computed tomography(HRCT)thorax findings and symptoms, later on after CTPA was diagnosed to have complex PAVM which showed clinicoradiological improvement following pulmonary vascular plugging. This case shows clinical scenario, diagnostic & management methods and differential diagnosis to be discussed in similar clinicoradiological pattern and peculiarity of PAVM despite advanced age.