OBJECTIVETo elaborate on the angiographic classification of central arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in jaws, and to evaluate the correlation between this classification and treatment options.

METHODSX-ray films and angiograms of 25 cases with AVMs in the jaw were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the appearance of radiolucency, feeding arteries, nidus of the malformations and draining veins. Based on the findings a classification of angioarchitecture was recommended. Furthermore, the treatment results of these cases were reviewed to assess the correlation between this classification and treatment options.

RESULTSThe angiographic pictures of 25 cases with central AVMs could be divided into five types: type I (n = 5) was with merely diffused micro-arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs); type II (n = 8) demonstrated a large venous pouch, all the feeding arteries drained into it; type III (n = 7) had a large venous pouch together with diffused micro-AVFs (I + II); type IV (n = 2) had multiple venous pouches; type V (n = 3) had multiple venous pouches and diffused micro-AVFs (I + IV). The angioarchitecture corresponded well to the radiographic appearance in all except one case. With respect to the treatment, type II, III, IV AVMs gained clinical cure in 100% of cases, whereas type I and type V AVMs obtained clinical cure only in 3 of 5 and 1 of 3 cases respectively.

CONCLUSIONSCentral AVMs in jaws exhibited variant patterns of angioarchitecture, which could be divided into five types. Elaboration of this classification was helpful for decision-making on choosing appropriate therapy.