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- Title
Brain Abscess: A Need to Screen for Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations.
- Authors
M. Gallitelli; V. Lepore; G. Pasculli; L. Di Gennaro; G. Logroscino; A. Carella; R.I. White
- Abstract
Background: Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are direct connections between an artery and a vein in the pulmonary circulation associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia in up to 88% of cases. Patients with PAVMs are at increased risk of brain abscess (BA). This study aimed to provide preliminary data on the prevalence of PAVMs among BA patients. Methods: Administrative hospital discharge forms were used to identify patients with BA; possible PAVM patients were screened. Results: 126 patients with BA were identified. Two patients had undiagnosed PAVMs at the time of admission for BA. The age-adjusted incidence of BA was 6.3 cases/1 million/year, with a male:female ratio of 2.0. Conclusion: Although PAVMs are rare conditions, they play a role in the development of BA. PAVMs are usually not recognized at the time of BA, thus exposing patients to life-threatening risks.Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel
- Subjects
PULMONARY artery abnormalities; PATIENTS; TELANGIECTASIA; VASCULAR diseases
- Publication
Neuroepidemiology, 2005, Vol 24, Issue 1/2, p76
- ISSN
0251-5350
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1159/000081053