Arteriovenous malformations: An update on models and therapeutic targets

Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) are an anomaly of the vascular system where feeding arteries are directly connected to the venous drainage network. While AVMs can arise anywhere in the body and have been described in most tissues, brain AVMs are of significant concern because of the risk of hemorrhage which carries significant morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of AVMs and the mechanisms underlying their formation are not well understood. For this reason, patients who undergo treatment for symptomatic AVMs remain at increased risk of subsequent bleeds and adverse outcomes. The cerebrovascular network is delicate and novel animal models continue to provide insight into its dynamics in the context of AVMs. As the molecular players in the formation of familial and sporadic AVMs are better understood, novel therapeutic approaches have been developed to mitigate their associated risks. Here we discuss the current literature surrounding AVMs including the development of models and therapeutic targets which are currently being investigated.