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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 93-98 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Postnatal
- Prenatal
- Pseudocoarctation of aorta
- Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging