Stereotactic body radiotherapy for a large arteriovenous malformation of the head and neck.

Abstract

Large arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the head and neck present a treatment challenge. A 38-year-old woman presented with a large intraoral bleed from longstanding AVMs of the left infratemporal fossa and the right tongue, despite 10 prior surgeries and embolizations. She was treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy with a dose of 24 Gy in three weekly fractions. Four years later, she has had dramatic shrinkage of her AVM, no recurrent bleeding episodes, no further treatment required, and no significant late effects. Level of evidence: NA.