Arteriovenous Malformation of the Scalp : Efficacy of Computed Tomography Angiography

We report a rare case of scalp arteriovenous malformation[AVM]. A 55-year-old woman presented with a pulsatile palpable mass on her left temporo-parietal scalp. She complained of insomnia because of bruit, which was audible when she lay on her left side. Computed tomography angiography[CTA] for the scalp vessel showed AVM on the left temporo-parietal region. Multiple enlarged arteries, such as the superficial temporal artery, posterior auricular artery, and occipital artery, were directly connected to the elongated dilated superficial temporal vein. Digital subtraction angiography also showed similar results. Fistulous portions were clearly delineated on both modalities. Surgical excision of the malformations, including feeding arteries and the draining vein, resulted in immediate relief of the symptoms. Usefulness of CTA in the diagnosis of vascular lesions on the scalp was emphasized.