Endovascular embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations( AVMs) with Onyx: preliminary analysis of hemorrhagic complications

Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors associated with acute complications of AVM treated with Onyx embolization and to manage these complications.Methods 15 consecutive patients with cerebral AVMs treated with Onyx embolization led bleeding complications were retrospectively reviewed from September 2003 to December 2010.Results 7 patients bleeding during operations.(5 cases were treated with conservative symptomatic treatment,another 2 cases had given bloody cerebrospinal fluid drainage treatment).8 cases bleeding after the operation. (5 cases were treated with conservative symptomatic treatment,3 patients had given craniotomy to remove the hematoma).Postoperative mRS ( modified Rankin Scale) score was 2.53 in average,and 2 patients died.Conclusions Endovascular treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformation is an effective way to treat the AVM.a variety of factors can Iead to hemorrhagic complications associated with the embolization.Avoiding the blind pursuit of the whole embilization and using different treatment strategies can achieve satisfactory results. Key words: Cerebral arteriovenous malformations;  Endovascular embolization;  Onyx;  Complication