Vein of galen aneurysmal malformations

Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2007 May;17(2):189-206. doi: 10.1016/j.nic.2007.02.005.

Abstract

Different types of malformations share a dilated vein of Galen, but only one of them is a true vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM). The optimal window of opportunity for treatment is between 4 and 5 years of months [corrected], because this allows the child to grow and mature. Heart failure and hydrocephalus respond favorably to embolization. Cerebrospinal fluid ventricular shunting, if needed, should be performed after the embolization. The transvenous approach carries significantly elevated morbidity and mortality and is rarely indicated. Anatomic cure of the VGAM is not the main goal of treatment; the ultimate goal is control of the malformation to allow the brain to mature and develop normally.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cerebral Veins / abnormalities*
  • Cerebral Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Veins / pathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / complications
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnosis*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / therapy*
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / complications
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / diagnosis
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / therapy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods