In a retrospective study of 120 patients who underwent surgery for arteriovenous malformations, a statistical analysis of demographic, clinical, and neuroradiological data was undertaken to discover the predictors of operative prognosis. The multivariate statistical method of analysis was used. Ninety-four patients underwent complete resection of the nidus, sixteen partial resection, and ten clipping of feeders. Operative prognosis was evaluated by the Karnofsky Index at discharge and at the last consultation. Target variables were as follows: sex, age, first symptoms, with bleeding or without, nidus side, nidus location, diameter of nidus, eloquency, deep venous drainage, Spetzler and Martin grade, and surgical method.
Nine patients (7.5%) had intractable seizure postoperatively. Postoperative bleeding was noted in five patients, four among them underwent partial resection of the nidus, and three died. Twenty-five patients developed neurological deterioration after operation. Operative mortality rate of the 120 patients treated surgically was 3.3% and operative morbidity rate 20.8%. The diameter of the nidus, the age of the patient, eloquence of the adjacent brain, deep venous drainage, and intracranial hemorrhage affected the outcome.
Evaluation of operative results of AVMs using the multivariate statistical method of analysis is useful for management of AVMs, and the operative indication should be identified with the multiple factors.
