PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What does AVM stand for in the context of vascular abnormalities?

1. Aneurysmal vascular network

2. Arteriovenous malformations

3. Arterial venous mismatch

4. Arterial vascular malformation

The correct answer is: Arteriovenous malformations

In the context of vascular abnormalities, AVM stands for Arteriovenous malformations. This term specifically describes a type of vascular anomaly that is characterized by a direct connection between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillary system. This can lead to various complications, including increased blood flow and pressure in the affected vessels, which may result in hemorrhage or ischemic damage to surrounding tissues. Understanding AVMs is crucial in the field of surgery and vascular medicine because they can significantly impact patient management and treatment options. For instance, AVMs may require surgical intervention, embolization, or other therapeutic measures to prevent potential complications such as bleeding. This highlights the importance of recognizing and accurately identifying AVMs in patients exhibiting symptoms related to vascular abnormalities. The other options do not accurately represent the concept of AVM as understood in medical terminology; therefore, they are not relevant to the definition of this specific vascular condition.