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Arteriovenous Malformation

An arteriovenous malformation is an abnormal network of blood vessels and veins in the body. It is present at birth (congenital).

The vessel walls of an arteriovenous malformation may become weak and leak or burst, causing bleeding in or around important parts of the body, such as the brain or spinal cord.

Last Revised: January 11, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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