Venous Outflow for Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: Overview and Treatment Implications

INTRODUCTION: Recent evidence has demonstrated a close relationship between the cerebral venous and lymphatic systems. Venous congestion has been implicated in a host of neurologic disorders, with relevance for vascular etiologies. OBJECTIVE: The authors aim to review the literature as it pertains to brain arteriovenous malformations’ (BAVMs) venous hemodynamics and glymphatic pathways, as well as the implications of BAVM treatment. RESULTS: BAVMs offer a unique challenge, with sudden alteration in flow dynamics leading to increased hemorrhage risk and difficult challenges post-treatment. CONCLUSION: Recent progress in the understanding of CNS fluid dynamics and glymphatic pathways have revealed important implications for BAVM pathology and treatment. As imaging techniques and treatment modalities advance, there is a need to further investigate this relationship as it relates to therapeutic options and post-treatment sequalae.