Renal arteriovenous malformation (AVM)

About Renal arteriovenous malformation (AVM)

An abnormal collection of arteries and veins within the kidney. The causes are either congenital or acquired. The most common acquired cause is abnormal healing after a medical procedure. The first sign of this abnormality may be blood in the urine (hematuria). Hypertension and flank pain is commonly associated with the disorder.

Symptoms

Bloody urine, flank pain or low back pain, uncontrolled blood pressure.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. Urinalysis shows blood. A CT scan can show this blood vessel variation in the kidney.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound.

Conventional treatment summary

Clotting off blood flow through the arteriovenous malformation (a procedure done with a intra-arterial catheter) is the most common treatment. Rarely surgery is required. For additional information contact the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse at: http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov or call (800)891-5390.

Medical specialties

Vascular Surgery · Nephrology · Vascular and Interventional Radiology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Renal arteriovenous malformation (AVM).