BRAIN INVOLVEMENT

 

 

 Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs) occur in about 10% of individuals with HHT. Most times 

 people are not aware they have CAVMs unless a complication occurs such as a brain bleed ("cerebral

 hemorrhage"). This causes a "hemorrhagic stroke". This complication can occur in kids as well as adults,

 and once someone is known to have one or more CAVMs, monitoring for rebleeding risk is important.

 

 Screening uses a special MRI imaging technology to pick up even smaller CAVMs which can be missed

 if the correct "MR Brain protocol" is not used. Never use a portable MR machine to screen. It is important 

 to talk to an HHT Centre to coordinate the right type of screening.

 

 HHT Centres now screen for CAVMs while the baby is in the womb ("in utero"), when we know a mother

 or father has definite HHT. This can prepare the parents as well as the delivery team for potential

 complications when the baby is born, and within the first year of life.