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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

A Patient-Derived Xenograft Model for Venous Malformation
Published on: June 15, 2020
Management and outcome of vein of Galen malformation
1The Wolfson Centre, Mecklenburgh Square, London, UK.
Insights
Endovascular treatment has improved outcomes for children with vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGM). A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for treatment decisions in pediatric VGM cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Vascular Malformations
- Interventional Neuroradiology
Background:
- Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGM) is a rare cerebrovascular disorder in infants.
- Historically, VGM carried a poor prognosis due to high rates of heart failure and neurological deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of endovascular treatment for pediatric VGM.
- To assess the neurodevelopmental status of survivors treated for VGM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of case notes and neuroimaging for children treated between 2003 and 2008.
- Analysis of treatment strategies and associated outcomes.
Main Results:
- Twenty-eight of 33 children underwent endovascular treatment.
- Seven children died; 13 survivors (39%) were neurodevelopmentally intact, 7 (21%) had mild impairment, and 6 (18%) had significant impairment.
- No clear clinical or radiological predictors of outcome were identified.
Conclusions:
- Endovascular treatment has significantly improved the prognosis for children with VGM.
- Multidisciplinary team expertise is essential for optimizing treatment decisions and timing.
Objective:
To describe our experience of treating children with vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGM) in a single UK centre between 2003 and 2008.
Method:
Retrospective review of case notes and neuroimaging.
Results:
33 children were seen (26 neonates, seven infants), of whom 28 underwent endovascular treatment. Four were not offered treatment as they had evidence of severe diffuse brain injury at presentation; treatment was deferred in another who subsequently died. Seven children died (two of whom had endovascular treatment). Of the survivors (all treated), 13 (39%) are neurodevelopmentally intact, seven (21%) have mild neurodevelopmental impairment and the remaining six (18%) have significant neurological impairment. The authors were not able to identify clinical or radiological parameters which strongly predicted outcome. Of note, two children with initially low Bicêtre scores were neurologically intact after successful embolisation.
Conclusion:
The outlook for children with VGM is significantly better since the advent of endovascular treatment. Decisions about the appropriateness and timing of treatment should be taken by an experienced multidisciplinary team.
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