Hydrovenous disorders in pediatric intracranial arteriovenous fistula

High-flow AVFs are a challenging problem in the pediatric age group. Venous occlusive changes develop as part of the dynamic response to these fistulas. The development of adequate venous collateral flow circumvents the destructive sequelae of longstanding venous hypertension. Without adequate collaterals, venous hypertension develops. Venous hypertension interferes with CSF resorption, resulting in increased brain water. Ventriculomegaly and tonsillar prolapse commonly develop and are reversible if therapeutic intervention is done in a timely fashion. If left untreated, chronic venous ischemic changes develop, which result in delay in important developmental milestones.