Exploratory Study of Cerebral Perfusion and Metabolic Alterations and Neurocognitive Disorders in Patients With Unruptured Arteriovenous Malformations Before and After Surgical Treatment

Unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformations are a potentially life-threatening condition and the third leading cause of intracerebral hemorrhage in young adults. Approximately two-thirds of patients with arteriovenous malformations experience a rupture leading to intracranial haemorrhage or develop progressive neurological symptoms or deficits. To date, decisions regarding interventional treatment of unruptured arteriovenous malformations are based on the characteristics of the arteriovenous malformation (size, location, etc.).However, the treatment of these arteriovenous malformations remains controversial in the literature, as the morbidity and mortality associated with intervention may exceed those the malformation's natural history. Furthermore, characteristics of arteriovenous malformations observed during examinations (size, hemodynamic patterns, vascular components) are often insufficient to predict spontaneous evolution, haemorrhagic risk, and associated symptoms.

Studies suggest that neurological symptoms may be linked to impaired cerebral perfusion and metabolism, particularly through hypoperfusion in the peri-arteriovenous malformation region or peri-lesional oedema. However, the results of these previous studies remain limited and of little significance.

The proposed project aims to establish a cohort over a 16-month period in order to study in detail the metabolic and perfusion alterations associated with arteriovenous malformations, as well as their neurocognitive and psychological impacts, with the aim of improving the pathophysiology understanding and treatment of these malformations.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 and older
• Admitted for an unruptured arteriovenous malformation with a decision to proceed with surgery

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who refuse surgical treatment for arteriovenous malformation
• Contraindications to 18F-FDG PET (uncontrolled diabete)
• Patients' inability to lie still for 40 minutes
• Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (Article L.1121-5 of the French Public Health Code)
• Persons deprived of their liberty by judicial or administrative decision (Article L.1121-6 of the French Public Health Code)
• Persons who are subject to legal protection measures or who are unable to express their consent (guardianship, curatorship, judicial protection; Article L.1121-8 of the French Public Health Code)
• Not affiliated with a social security scheme or beneficiary of such a scheme (Article L.1121-8-1 of the French Public Health Code)
• Persons participating in another study that includes an ongoing exclusion period (Article L.1121-12 of the French Public Health Code)
• Failure to obtain written informed consent