People with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) can live a normal lifespan if the condition is properly managed. However, the length of life a person with AVM can expect to have depends on a variety of factors, including the size and location of the AVM, the severity of symptoms, the type of treatment chosen, and how quickly the condition is diagnosed and treated.
In some cases, AVM can be asymptomatic and require no treatment. If the AVM is small enough and asymptomatic, it may not require any treatment at all. However, if the AVM grows or begins to cause symptoms, treatment may be necessary.
If the AVM is small and in an area that is not easily accessed, the condition may be monitored and treated without surgery. This is known as “watchful waiting” and can be successful in some cases.
In other cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the AVM. Depending on the size and location of the AVM, this may be done as an open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. Surgery is usually successful in removing the AVM, but there is still a risk of recurrence.
For those who are treated with surgery or other treatments, the outlook is generally positive and long-term survival rates are good. In a study of 274 people with AVM, the average survival rate was 22.8 years.
In conclusion, the length of life a person with AVM can expect to have depends on a variety of factors, including the size and location of the AVM, the severity of symptoms, the type of treatment chosen, and how quickly the condition is diagnosed and treated. In most cases, people with AVM can live a normal lifespan if the condition is properly managed.