Perinatal pseudocoarctation: Echocardiographic findings in vein of Galen malformation

Nora M. Doyle, Joan M. Mastrobattista, Mohinder K. Thapar, M. Regina Lantin-Hermoso

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective. Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAMs) are rare congenital malformations thought to develop during weeks 6 to 11 of fetal life. Although they represent less than 1 % of all cerebral vascular malformations, they constitute up to 30% of all pediatric vascular malformations. Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations cause high-output heart failure in the fetus and neonate secondary to the decreased resistance and high blood flow in the lesion. We describe 2 cases, 1 prenatal and 1 postnatal, in which unusual aortic Doppler flow patterns and substantial brachiocephalic vessel dilation contributed to the discovery of a VGAM. Methods. Echocardiographic findings associated with VGAM malformations in 2 cases are described. Results. Unusual Doppler flow patterns and substantial brachiocephalic vessel dilation were seen in both cases. Pseudocoarctation of the aorta was also noted in both cases. Conclusions. The echocardiographic findings in fetal and neonatal VGAM may include pseudocoarctation of the aorta. Abnormal fetal cardiac findings should raise the practitioner's suspicion for cerebral malformations and vice versa.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)93-98
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Ultrasound in Medicine
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Postnatal
  • Prenatal
  • Pseudocoarctation of aorta
  • Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Perinatal pseudocoarctation: Echocardiographic findings in vein of Galen malformation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this