Spetzler-Martin grade
Spetzler-Martin Grading of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations
The Spetzler-Martin scale estimates the surgical risk of a brain arteriovenous malformation by summing three angioarchitectural features: nidus size, venous drainage pattern, and eloquence of adjacent brain, yielding grades I–V (with a separate “inoperable” category). It has anchored AVM treatment discussions for decades because it distills complex vascular anatomy into a single risk-stratifying number. The later supplementary (Lawton-Young) scale adds patient age, bleeding presentation, and nidus compactness to refine case selection.
Version history & what changed
- Lawton-Young supplementary scale2010Current
A supplementary scale adding patient age, hemorrhagic presentation and nidus compactness to the base grade, refining case selection for surgery.
- Spetzler-Martin grade1986
The original: sums nidus size, venous drainage pattern and eloquence of adjacent brain into grades I–V, distilling AVM anatomy into one risk-stratifying number.
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Resources & links
- referenceSpetzler & Martin, J Neurosurg 1986
RadPigeon is an independent radiology news digest and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Spetzler & Martin. “Spetzler-Martin grade” is a trademark of its owner and is named here only to refer to the system. Always consult the official source for the exact, current criteria.