Knowledge Challange

Abstract

 

Vein of Galen malformations (VGMs) are rare congenital defects of cerebral vessels. They constitute up to 30% of intracranial vascular malformations presenting among pediatric patients. They are formed between the 6^th and 11^th week of gestation. The malformation is due to the presence of one or more artero-venous fistulas directing blood flow toward the dilated, persistent proximal median prosencephalic vein. Clinical symptoms depend on the size of arterovenous flow. The most common ones include: antenatal development of high output heart failure, brain hypoperfusion and hydrocephalus.