What does an AVM look like?

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) typically appears as a tangled mass of blood vessels that connect arteries and veins abnormally. On imaging studies like MRI or CT scans, it may show up as a dense, irregular cluster of vessels with a characteristic "nidus" or core. Clinically, it can cause symptoms depending on its location, such as headaches, seizures, or neurological deficits. In some cases, AVMs may not present any visible symptoms until complications arise.