Overview
Maxillary arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare vascular condition in which abnormal connections form between arteries and veins in the upper jaw (maxilla) area. Normally, blood flows from arteries through tiny capillaries before reaching veins. In an AVM, blood passes directly from arteries to veins without going through capillaries, creating a tangled cluster of abnormal blood vessels. This can lead to problems in the jaw, teeth, gums, and surrounding facial structures. Symptoms can include spontaneous bleeding from the gums or mouth, swelling of the face or jaw, loosening of teeth, pain, and sometimes a pulsating sensation in the affected area. In some cases, the malformation may be present from birth but not cause noticeable problems until later in life, when it can grow or become more active, especially during puberty or after trauma. Please note that this condition has been marked as 'OBSOLETE' in the Orphanet classification system, meaning it may have been reclassified or merged into a broader category of arteriovenous malformations. Patients should discuss with their doctors whether their condition falls under a more current diagnostic classification. Treatment typically involves a combination of approaches including embolization (blocking the abnormal blood vessels), surgery, or both. Management requires a specialized multidisciplinary team experienced in vascular malformations.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Spontaneous bleeding from the gums or mouthSwelling of the upper jaw or faceLoosening of teeth without obvious causePulsating or throbbing sensation in the jawPain in the upper jaw areaGum discoloration or bluish appearanceDifficulty chewing or eatingNumbness or tingling in the faceAbnormal tooth movementWarm feeling over the affected areaVisible swelling inside the mouthHeavy or uncontrollable bleeding after dental procedures
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: Maxillary arteriovenous malformation.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Maxillary 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: Maxillary 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 exact size and extent of the arteriovenous malformation in my jaw?,What treatment approach do you recommend, and how many procedures might be needed?,What are the risks of treatment, including the chance of recurrence?,Are there any dental procedures I should avoid, and how should I manage dental care?,Could this be part of a genetic syndrome, and should I have genetic testing?,How often will I need follow-up imaging to monitor the malformation?,What should I do in case of a sudden bleeding episode?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Maxillary arteriovenous malformation
What is OBSOLETE: Maxillary arteriovenous malformation?
Maxillary arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare vascular condition in which abnormal connections form between arteries and veins in the upper jaw (maxilla) area. Normally, blood flows from arteries through tiny capillaries before reaching veins. In an AVM, blood passes directly from arteries to veins without going through capillaries, creating a tangled cluster of abnormal blood vessels. This can lead to problems in the jaw, teeth, gums, and surrounding facial structures. Symptoms can include spontaneous bleeding from the gums or mouth, swelling of the face or jaw, loosening of teeth, pa
How is OBSOLETE: Maxillary arteriovenous malformation inherited?
OBSOLETE: Maxillary arteriovenous malformation follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.