Vascular malformations are believed to be present at birth but may not become apparent until later in life. Intrinsic Vascular malformations occur in 1.5% of the population.

The most common localization of arteriovenous malformation is intracranial. Brain malformations are about 20 times more frequent than extracerebral ones.

MRI and CT angiography provides three dimensional (3D) reconstruction of this entity at the root of the neck and helps to differentiate it from the commoner lymph nodal enlargement, with a precise evaluation of nidus and extension which facilitates preoperative surgical planning and for providing an intraoperative reference.