Synonym for arteriovenous malformation ... <anatomy, embryology> A tangled collection of abnormal blood vessels where there is an abnormal communication between the arterial and venous systems. The afferents flow directly into the venous efferents without the usual resistance of an intervening capillary bed. ... They are mostly congenital. If... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20973
AVM: An AVM (arteriovenous malformation) is a congenital disorder (one present at birth) of blood vessels in the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord that is characterized by a complex, tangled web of abnormal arteries and veins connected by one or more fistulas (abnormal communications). The AVM has no capillary bed of its own and the fistulas in the ... Found on http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9690