[Isolated pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM)--report of three cases].

Isolated PAVM is rare condition and only a few cases of VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) resection have been reported so far. Since the clinical course of PAVM is not entirely benign due to its possible progression and serious complications (paradoxical emboli, stroke, brain abscess, etc.), the most radical least invasive treatment should be chosen in all cases nowadays. Embolization may be incomplete and carries a risk of accidental systemic embolization, therefore surgical excision is the preferred method of choice. In cases of surgical resections, pulmonary parenchyma sparing techniques such as wedge resection and local excision by VATS is desirable, if possible. We present three patients who were admitted with asymptomatic pulmonary round shadow (umbra rotunda) for further investigation and treatment. We have performed two wedge resections by VATS and one segmentectomy via axillary thoracotomy. We wish to emphasize the importance of this disease to consider in differential diagnosis to avoid complications.