What is vein of galen malformation

All rights reserved. Health Library. The malformation develops before birth and may be found during pregnancy or very soon after birth. This condition affects a large vein deep at the base of the brain. The malformation causes oxygen-rich blood to flow directly through this vein away from the brain instead of delivering blood to surrounding brain tissues.

This rush of blood away from the brain puts pressure on the heart and lungs, often causing congestive heart failure or pulmonary hypertension. What is a Vein of Galen Malformation? What Causes Vein of Galen Malformations? Vein of Galen malformations are not inherited. There is currently no known cause of these malformations, but children with VOGMs are more likely to suffer from other types of arteriovenous malformations AVMs , or blood vessel malformations. How Common are Vein of Galen Malformations?

VOGMs are slightly more common in males than in females. Normally, these arteries and veins are connected by capillaries that monitor and slow blood flow through the brain, allowing for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients. Because a VOGM does not have capillaries, the blood flow becomes very fast, making the heart work harder.

This can cause heart failure, which is the most common concern in newborns. The malformation also can interfere with normal drainage of the fluid produced by the brain, called the cerebrospinal fluid CSF , causing this fluid to accumulate and leading to a condition called hydrocephalus.

If left untreated, a VOGM can cause problems with mental development, resulting in retardation or even death. It is usually caused by an abnormally high level of blood flow through the vascular malformation, which can put great strain on an infant's heart. A VOGM also can cause an infant to have abnormally rapid head growth during infancy. This is due to hydrocephalus , which is the accumulation of excess fluid in the brain. It is caused by interference with the normal drainage of the fluid produced by the brain, called cerebrospinal fluid CSF.

In some cases, a vein of Galen malformation VOGM may be detected by an ultrasound before a baby is born. However, in many instances, the VOGM is not discovered until after birth when the baby begins to experience heart failure. To determine if a VOGM is the cause of the heart failure or other symptoms your baby may be experiencing, the following tests may be used:. The team includes a neurologist, neurosurgeon and neurointerventional radiologist.

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PMC - Pubmed 6. Pierre L. Vascular Diseases in Neonates, Infants and Children. Ultrasound Diagnosis of Fetal Anomalies. J Neurosurg. J Neurosurg Pediatr. PEDS - Pubmed Vein of Galen Malformation. Neurosurg Focus. Related articles: Pineal region masses. General reading pineal gland pineal region mass pineal region - an approach Pathology cystic non-neoplastic lesions pineal cysts cavum veli interpositi arachnoid cyst pineal parenchymal tumors pineocytoma pineal parenchymal tumor with intermediate differentiation pineoblastoma papillary tumor of the pineal region germ cell tumors pineal germinoma embryonal carcinoma choriocarcinoma teratoma yolk sac tumor tumors also encountered in the pineal region astrocytoma meningioma cerebral metastases pineal gland metastases vascular lesions vein of Galen malformation internal cerebral vein thrombosis.

Promoted articles advertising. Figure 1: diagram - vein of Galen malformation Figure 1: diagram - vein of Galen malformation.

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