Overview
Mandibular arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare vascular condition in which abnormal connections form between arteries and veins within the jawbone (mandible). Normally, blood flows from arteries through tiny capillaries before reaching veins. In an AVM, blood bypasses these capillaries and flows directly from arteries to veins, creating a tangled mass of abnormal blood vessels. This can weaken the jawbone, cause swelling, pain, and lead to serious bleeding — sometimes triggered by something as routine as a dental procedure or tooth loss. Symptoms can include a pulsating sensation in the jaw, swelling of the face or gums, loose teeth, spontaneous gum bleeding, and numbness or tingling in the lower lip or chin. In some cases, the malformation may be present from birth but not cause noticeable problems until later in childhood or adulthood when it grows or is accidentally disturbed. This condition has been marked as 'OBSOLETE' in the Orphanet classification, meaning it may now be categorized under a broader group of arteriovenous malformations or vascular anomalies. Treatment typically involves a combination of embolization (blocking the abnormal blood vessels using special materials delivered through a catheter) and surgical removal. Management requires a specialized multidisciplinary team because of the risk of life-threatening hemorrhage. Early diagnosis and careful planning before any dental or surgical procedures involving the jaw are essential to prevent dangerous bleeding episodes.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Pulsating or throbbing sensation in the jawSwelling of the jaw or faceSpontaneous bleeding from the gumsLoose teeth without obvious causeNumbness or tingling in the lower lip or chinPain in the jaw areaWarm feeling over the affected areaVisible swelling inside the mouthHeavy bleeding after tooth extraction or dental workA buzzing or humming sound heard near the jawDiscoloration of the gums or overlying skinDifficulty chewing
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Mandibular arteriovenous malformation.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Mandibular arteriovenous malformation.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Mandibular arteriovenous malformation.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the size and extent of the AVM in my jaw, and how does that affect my treatment options?,What are the risks of embolization and surgery for my specific case?,How should I handle routine dental care safely?,What are the warning signs of a bleeding emergency, and what should I do if one occurs?,Is there a chance this could be part of a genetic syndrome, and should I have genetic testing?,How often will I need follow-up imaging to check for recurrence?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments I should know about?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Mandibular arteriovenous malformation
What is OBSOLETE: Mandibular arteriovenous malformation?
Mandibular arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare vascular condition in which abnormal connections form between arteries and veins within the jawbone (mandible). Normally, blood flows from arteries through tiny capillaries before reaching veins. In an AVM, blood bypasses these capillaries and flows directly from arteries to veins, creating a tangled mass of abnormal blood vessels. This can weaken the jawbone, cause swelling, pain, and lead to serious bleeding — sometimes triggered by something as routine as a dental procedure or tooth loss. Symptoms can include a pulsating sensation in th
How is OBSOLETE: Mandibular arteriovenous malformation inherited?
OBSOLETE: Mandibular arteriovenous malformation follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.