Introduction

This report is the first of a traumatic intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) identified with the use of ultrasound imaging. This case study involves a 49-year-old man with a traumatic intracranial arteriovenous malformation that was identified using transcranial imaging and spectral analysis studies.

Methods

Transcranial ultrasonic imaging with spectral analysis was performed, using a 2.5MHz hand-held probe identified the traumatic AVM. Correlated follow-up testing was conducted using magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography scan. Results were correlated with ultrasound findings.

Results

Bilateral middle cerebral and anterior cerebral arteries were identified revealing normal waveforms and velocities. Left posterior cerebral artery could not be insonated or visualized whereas the right posterior cerebral artery revealed normal waveforms and velocities. A single area of “jet” flow was in the distal internal carotid artery (in the area of carotid cavernous sinus). A peak systolic velocity of 318 cm/sec and an end diastolic velocity of 152 cm/sec were identified in the “jet,” which is consistent with the clinical suspicion of an AVM. The magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated normal right internal carotid, middle cerebral, and anterior cerebral arteries. On the left, there was diffusion of signal in the region of the cavernous sinus. This flow signal extended anteriorly and laterally into the region of the lateral orbit. Also, a second channel of flow appeared extending up into the middle cerebral artery territory, suggesting some retrograde venous flow. Findings reported were consistent with AVM of the carotid artery at the cavernous sinus.

Conclusion

This report represents with the first reported incidence of diagnosis of traumatic AVM of intracranial vessels. Duplex scanning should be considered if concern exists for such an entity as it appears capable of actually identifying this pathology.