Angiographic findings of the feeding arteries of auricular arteriovenous malformations

Objective: To investigate the feeding arteries of auricular arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with digital subtraction angiography. Methods: During the period form April 2006 to June 2011, angiography of bilateral external carotid, internal carotid and vertebral arteries was carried out in 14 patients with auricular AVMs. The origins and the branches of the feeding arteries of auricular AVMs were determined and recorded. The origins and distribution features of AVM feeding arteries were analyzed. Results: A total of 37 feeding arteries were observed in 14 patients. The feeding arteries were originated from posterior auricular artery (n=14), superficial temporal artery (n=14), occipital artery (n=7), contralateral superficial temporal artery (n=1) or vertebral artery (n=1). Blood supply of auricular AVMs from internal carotid artery or from its branches was not seen. Conclusion: The blood supply of auricular AVMs is mainly from the branches of ipsilateral external carotid artery, including posterior auricular artery, superficial temporal artery and occipital artery. Rarely, auricular AVMs can get their blood supply from contralateral superficial temporal artery or vertebral artery, and interventional radiologists should be aware of such unusual feeding arteries. (authors)