Dennis Foley, MD, at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital • Image captured via the LightSpeed VCT from GE Healthcare (Waukesha, Wis)

Physicians referred this young male patient for a CT scan to evaluate a suspected arteriovenous malformation on the ulnar side of the ring finger at the middle phalanx level. What were the findings and diagnosis?

Findings and Diagnosis

Upon reviewing the CT images, Foley determined that the patient has a superficial soft-tissue arteriovenous malformation (AVM) on his left ring finger at the middle phalanx level. It is generally believed that this defect of the circulatory system arises during embryonic or fetal development, or soon after birth. Angiography and superselective angiography are two invasive methods for detecting AVMs; however, CT and MRI are the most frequently employed noninvasive imaging techniques.

More Information on the Scan

This CT angiographic study was performed using helical acquisition with GE Healthcare's LightSpeed VCT system, following bolus intravenous contract injection of Isovue 370 at 6 ml per second.