Diagnosis and management of vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations

Abstract

Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAM) are rare intracranial vascular anomalies typically found in children. The anatomic landmark of a VGAM is the presence of multiple arteriovenous shunts draining into a dilated median prosencephalic vein, an embryonic vessel normally absent at the adult stage. This article reviews the developmental anatomy, the clinical presentation, and the current management of VGAM. © 2005 Nature Publishing Group. All rights reserved.