Vein of Galen Malformation

Vein of Galen Malformation (VOGM) is a rare but serious congenital vascular anomaly affecting the brain. It manifests prenatally and is typically identified in infants and young children.

VOGM arises during fetal development, involving an 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧, specifically effecting the “great cerebral brain”, also known as the 𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧. This condition is characterized by and enlarged and dilated vein of Galen, causing a high-flow arteriovenous shunt. The exact cause of VOGM is not known yet, but it is likely genetic. Common symptoms include hydrocephalus, heart failure, developmental delays, seizures, etc.

VOGM is mainly 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 such as magnetic resonance imaging and angiography to visualize the abnormal blood vessels and the degree of malformation. When the malformation is apparent on prenatal ultrasound or at birth, the risks of heart failure and brain hemorrhage are very high. 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝 which aims to eliminate or significantly reduce the blood flow through the VOGM.

Recently, a Boston doctor successfully performed a 𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝟑𝟒-𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤-𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐬 to reduce blood pressure in key areas, thereby treating VOGM. 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰-𝐮𝐩 are essential for optimal management of this condition.