Daughter has an AVM and a spinal aneurysm. Any guidance?

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @andregazzinelli. It sounds like your daughter has a lot to contend with, what with the spinal aneurysm and the AVM. She is fortunate to have you and your family for support.

Are you looking at any of the neurologists associated with universities, teaching hospitals, or research institutions Brazil to evaluate your daughter? How is your daughter holding up with all of this?

Dear Lisa,

Thank you very much for your kind words and for taking the time to respond. Your support means a lot to us during this difficult time.

We are from Brazil, and my daughter was recently diagnosed with a spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM). During a spinal angiography performed two weeks ago, doctors also discovered a spinal aneurysm associated with the AVM.

We have already consulted neurosurgeons and endovascular specialists here in Brazil. Unfortunately, the opinion we received was that surgery or intervention would carry a very high risk, and at this moment they are recommending observation rather than treatment.

As parents, we are trying to learn as much as possible about this condition and identify specialists and medical centers around the world with significant experience in spinal AVMs and associated aneurysms. We are particularly interested in any research programs, clinical studies, or institutions that may have expertise in complex cases such as my daughter's.

My daughter is staying strong and positive, although naturally this has been emotionally challenging for her and our entire family. We are doing everything we can to support her and explore every possible option.

If you know of any specialists, research centers, or resources that could help us better understand her condition, we would be deeply grateful.

Thank you again for your kindness and support.

Best regards,

André Gazzinelli
Brazil

@andregazzinelli - you may want to take a look at these URLs about this condition and the care for this condition your daughter has at Mayo Clinic:

- Spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-arteriovenous-malformation/symptoms-causes/syc-20355613

- Spinal AVM care at Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-arteriovenous-malformation/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20355620

To care for international patients, Mayo Clinic has a special phone line and email to the International Appointment Office. To request an appointment at Mayo Clinic, international patients can email intl.isit@mayo.edu or call +1 507-738-4021. The International Appointment Office is open Monday through Friday, 06:00 – 20:00 U.S. Central Time.

Dear Lisa,

Thank you very much for your kind message, for the information you shared, and for taking the time to help us.

I truly appreciate the links and resources you provided regarding spinal AVMs and Mayo Clinic's expertise in treating this condition. They have been very helpful as we continue to learn more about my daughter's case.

I would also like to thank you for providing the contact information for Mayo Clinic's International Appointment Office. I have already reached out to them by email and have started the conversation to better understand the evaluation process and the options that may be available for international patients.

As a father, I am simply trying to explore every possible avenue to ensure my daughter receives the best care and guidance available. Your support and guidance mean a great deal to our family.

Thank you again for your kindness and assistance.

Warm regards,

André Gazzinelli
Brazil