What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Arteriovenous Malformation of the Bladder
• AVM of Urinary Bladder
• Urinary Bladder Arteriovenous Malformation

What is Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder? (Definition/Background Information)

• An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between the veins and arteries resulting in a collection of vascular malformation. It can occur anywhere in the body. Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder is an extremely uncommon formation that may arise in children and adults
• In many cases, Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder presents a congenital origin i.e., developing at or before birth. Occasionally, the condition can be acquired due to other factors such as trauma (acquired AVM of Urinary Bladder)
• Many Arteriovenous Malformations of Urinary Bladder are found incidentally while examining the individual for other medical conditions. The signs and symptoms depend upon the size of the tumors. Large tumors may cause a mass effect presenting urination difficulties and blood in urine (hematuria)
• Typically, a surgical excision and removal of Urinary Bladder Arteriovenous Malformation may be undertaken, especially for large and symptomatic tumors. The prognosis is generally good on a complete removal of the mass (if required), since it is a benign condition

Who gets Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Congenital Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder is observed in infants and young children
• Acquired forms of AVM of Urinary Bladder may be observed in individuals of any age, including in adults
• Both male and females are affected, and no gender preference is noted
• The condition is observed worldwide; all racial and ethnic groups are affected

What are the Risk Factors for Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no specific risk factors have been identified for Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder, particularly those that have a congenital origin
• Trauma or injury to the region is reportedly associated with acquired forms of the malformation

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder? (Etiology)

The exact cause of development of Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder is unknown.

• Some studies indicate that it may be a congenital malformation, wherein there is an abnormal connection between the arterioles and venules
• Sometimes, the condition may be reportedly acquired due to trauma

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder?

In many cases, Arteriovenous Malformations of Urinary Bladder do not present any significant signs and symptoms, especially if they are of a small size. In some cases, the following may be noted:

• Presence of a solitary malformation that appears as a mass
• Some of these malformations can be as large as 6 cm
• Abdominal discomfort
• Painless gross hematuria (blood in urine), which is visible to the naked eye
• Microscopic hematuria, on examination of urine during a lab test
• Difficulty in voiding urine (passing urine)
• Acute urinary retention; when the individual is unable to pass urine, even though the bladder is full
• Pain during urination (dysuria)

How is Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder Diagnosed?

Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder is often an incidental finding on cystoscopy, when the individual is being examined for other medical conditions. The following tests and exams may be performed:

• Complete physical exam with evaluation of medical history
• Urinalysis or urine tests
• Urine culture, to check for an infection
• Ultrasound scan of the abdomen
• CT urogram: A radiology procedure using X-rays to generate high-quality images of the urinary tract, involving the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder
• CT or MRI scan of the abdomen may show a well-defined mass. This radiological procedure creates detailed 3-dimensional images of structures inside the body
• Cystoscopy: Special instruments are used to visually examine and study the insides of the urinary bladder
• Ureteroscopy: It is an imaging (endoscopic) procedure using a special fiber optic device to examine the upper urinary tract, which is inserted through the urethra
• Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA): It is an advanced imaging technique that uses information and inputs from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in order to better evaluate the blood vessels of various parts of the body
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): Intravenous pyelogram is a technique using X-rays, to examine the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder), by using a dye to highlight the duct systems. Any signs of abnormalities can be visualized using an IVP
• Tissue biopsy: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, who examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

The healthcare provider may undertake a differential diagnosis to eliminate other conditions or tumor types, before arriving at a definitive diagnosis.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder?

There are usually no major complications from Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder, particularly if the tumors are small-sized. In some cases, the tumors may present the following complications:

• Emotional stress and anxiety due to concerns of bladder tumor/cancer
• Obstruction to the passage of urine
• Increased risk for urinary tract infections
• Severe bleeding
• Damage to the muscles, vital nerves, and blood vessels, during surgery; the risk of bleeding may be high
• Post-surgical infection at the wound site
• Risk of tumor recurrence following surgery

How is Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder Treated?

The treatment measures for Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder may include the following:

• Observation: The healthcare provider may recommend a ‘wait and watch’ approach for small-sized asymptomatic masses
• Surgical intervention with complete excision can result in a complete cure. The procedures evaluated may include:
  • Percutaneous transarterial embolization
  • Transurethral resection (rarely)
• Follow-up care with regular screening may be recommended by the healthcare provider

How can Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder be Prevented?

• Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder
• Early diagnosis and treatment will help prevent complications due to arteriovenous malformations, such as severe bleeding incidences

What is the Prognosis of Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder is typically good, since it is a benign condition
• With adequate treatment i.e., surgical removal of the tumor, it can result in a cure. However, there is a risk of severe bleeding from large-sized tumors (particularly during surgery)

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Arteriovenous Malformation of Urinary Bladder:

Please visit our Kidney & Bladder Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/kidney-health/