Arterio-venous malformations of the basal ganglia. Surgical versus endovascular treatment.

Technique, indications and results of endovascular occlusion by superselective embolization of basal ganglia arterio-venous malformations (AVM's) are discussed, based on personal experiences with 21 cases and 41 embolizations. Follow-up was available in 17 cases. Total occlusion could be achieved in 4 cases, partial occlusion in 12, and one was extirpated microsurgically. Further haemorrhages after partial occlusion occurred in two cases. Neurological symptoms improved in 6 cases and remained unchanged in 11.