[Arteriovenous malformations of the vein of Galen]

Vein of Galen arteriovenous malformations encompass a diverse group of vascular anomalies that share a common feature: dilatation of the vein of Galen. Although clinical presentations are highly variable, depending on age of presentation, signs and symptoms overlap between age groups. The association of heart failure and cranial bruit constitutes the most striking clinical presentation in neonates. However, less severe and fulminant modes of presentation are frequent in older infants, children, and adults. Treatment approaches consist of symptomatic treatment of heart failure on the one hand and of surgery or endovascular treatment on the other. The results of the latter have improved in recent years, opening up a broad spectrum of new possibilities. We present the case of an asymptomatic 15-day-old neonate who presented an arteriovenous malformation of the vein of Galen and who was treated with endovascular occlusion of the arterial afferents. An excellent result was obtained with no evidence of neurological abnormalities.