Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)

Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that are congenital (present at birth).

• They don't have the normal network of tiny vessels (capillaries) that normally connect arteries and veins.
• AVMs are more common in the brain than in other regions.
• The cause of AVMs is unknown.

No known food, medication, or activity during pregnancy can cause an AVM.

How Children’s approaches AVMs

AVM tissues removed after treatment are being studied by researchers in the Vascular Biology Program. These studies may lead to better information about both the cause of AVMs as well as possible new treatments.