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Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Pediatric dural arteriovenous malformations
Shaun P Appaduray1, James A J King, Alison Wray
1Department of Neurosurgery, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Insights
Pediatric dural arteriovenous malformations (dAVMs) are rare and dangerous. Prompt endovascular embolization offers the best chance for favorable outcomes in children with dAVMs, despite potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Vascular Malformations
Background:
- Pediatric dural arteriovenous malformations (dAVMs) are rare, complex vascular lesions with high mortality.
- Management of pediatric dAVMs requires specialized neurosurgical and endovascular expertise.
Observation:
- Three pediatric dAVM cases presented with macrocrania and extracranial venous distension.
- Two cases developed dural sinus thrombosis pre-intervention, an unusual presentation.
- Complications included dural sinus thrombosis, hemorrhage, venous hypertension, and seizures.
Findings:
- Staged endovascular embolization was the treatment strategy for all three cases.
- One patient had a favorable outcome, while two experienced poor outcomes.
- Prompt endovascular embolization is associated with the best available results for pediatric dAVMs.
Implications:
- Endovascular embolization is crucial for managing pediatric dAVMs.
- Venous collateral circulation to internal jugular veins may improve treatment outcomes.
- Further research is needed to optimize management strategies and improve outcomes for pediatric dAVMs.
Abstract:
Pediatric dural arteriovenous malformations (dAVMs) are rare lesions that have a high mortality rate and require complex management. The authors report 3 cases of pediatric dAVMs that presented with macrocrania and extracranial venous distension. Dural sinus thrombosis developed in 2 of the cases prior to any intervention, which is an unusual occurrence for this particular disease. All 3 cases were treated using staged endovascular embolization with a favorable outcome in 1 case and a poor outcome in the other 2 cases. Complications developed in all cases and included dural sinus thrombosis, parenchymal hemorrhage, intracranial venous hypertension, and seizures. The strategies and challenges used in managing these patients will be presented and discussed, along with a review of the literature. While outcomes remain poor, the authors conclude that prompt treatment with endovascular embolization provides the best results for children with these lesions. A well-established venous collateral circulation draining directly to the internal jugular veins may further improve the rate of favorable outcome after embolization.
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