Arteriovenous Malformations

**Definition:** Abnormal formation of blood vessels that shunt arterial blood directly into veins without passing through the CAPILLARIES. They usually are crooked, dilated, and with thick vessel walls. A common type is the congenital arteriovenous fistula. The lack of blood flow and oxygen in the capillaries can lead to tissue damage in the affected areas.

**Tree numbers:** - C14.240.850.750 - C14.907.150 - C16.131.240.850.750