Arteriovenous Malformations of the Posterior Fossa

Posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations (pAVMs) comprise a rare subset of AVMs located in the posterior fossa or infratentorial space, which contains the cerebellum and brainstem. These AVMs are distinguished from AVMs in other locations due to higher risk of hemorrhage and more aggressive clinical course. The management of pAVMs is challenging, and treatment selection of pAVMs takes into consideration the location, size, and angioarchitecture of the lesion. Multimodality treatment including a combination of surgical resection, radiosurgery, and endovascular embolization may achieve excellent results. This chapter reviews the disease characteristics, decision-making, treatment techniques, and complication management for pAVMs.