Am J Perinatol 1996; 13(8): 503-506
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994437
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Aneurysm of the Vein of Galen: Prenatal Diagnosis and Perinatal Management

Christian A. Chisholm, Jeffrey A. Kuller, Vern L. Katz, M. Cathleen McCoy
  • Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

An aneurysm of the vein of Galen is a rare arteriovenous malformation of the central nervous system. Fetal manifestations have included nonimmune hydrops, hydro-cephalus, and intracranial hemorrhage. This anomaly may be diagnosed prenatally by several imaging modalities. A cystic cranial mass was identified by ultrasound in a fetus at 30 weeks gestation. Both pulsed-wave Doppler and color-velocity imaging studies suggested aneurysm of the vein of Galen as the most likely diagnosis. The fetus demonstrated no evidence of hydrops on serial ultrasound examinations. A 2430 g female infant was delivered vaginally at 35 weeks gestation. Postnatal management included transarterial embolization of the vessels feeding the aneurysm with craniectomy, an intra-aneurysmal balloon, and vascular microcoils. Hydrocephalus developed and a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was placed. The infant has grown appropriately in the first year of life. An aneurysm of the vein of Galen may be diagnosed prenatally by real-time ultrasound, pulsed-wave Doppler, color-velocity imaging, or magnetic resonance imaging. The presence of this malformation should prompt close follow-up for the remainder of the pregnancy. Careful obstetric management and early postnatal intervention may lead to a favorable outcome.

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