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Di Meglio L, Sica G, Toscano P, Orlandi G, Manzo L, Mazzarelli LL, Sica C, Di Meglio A. A systematic review of prenatally diagnosed vein of Galen malformations: prenatal predictive markers and management from fetal life to childhood. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1401468. [PMID: 39022219 PMCID: PMC11251923 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1401468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vein of Galen malformations (VGMs) account for less than 1% of all intracranial vascular malformations. However, in fetal and pediatric populations, they represent the most common vascular malformation of the brain. For the effective management of this condition, an optimal knowledge of its prenatal and postnatal clinical features is mandatory. Methods Articles published between 1 January 2003 and 31 January 2024, reported in PubMed and EMBASE, were evaluated for a systematic review analyzing the prenatal and postnatal features and management of fetal VGMs. Results Thirty-one papers reporting information on 51 prenatally diagnosed VGMs were included. The most common prenatal features were fetal hydrocephalus (39%) and cardiomegaly (56%). Postnatal data for 43 VGM cases are described. The overall mortality was 58.14%. In total, 77.78% of the survivors had normal development. Conclusions Close follow-up and a multidisciplinary approach are mandatory to manage this condition. Our study aimed to provide a guide for gynecologists, neonatologists, cardiologists, and neuroradiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Di Meglio
- Residency School of Pediatrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giordana Sica
- University of Medicine and Surgery Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Toscano
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine and Surgery Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Orlandi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine and Surgery Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Manzo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine and Surgery Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Letizia Mazzarelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine and Surgery Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Diagnositica Ecografia e Prenatale di A. Di Meglio, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Sica
- Diagnositica Ecografia e Prenatale di A. Di Meglio, Naples, Italy
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Tawfiq A, Alsabban Z, Baradwan S. Multidisciplinary care of fetal vein of Galen arteriovenous malformation diagnosed via Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging: A case report. Case Rep Womens Health 2024; 42:e00615. [PMID: 38746059 PMCID: PMC11092392 DOI: 10.1016/j.crwh.2024.e00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) represents a rare congenital anomaly affecting the fetal cerebral vasculature. A 27-year-old Middle Eastern woman was referred due to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and fetal cardiac anomalies identified at 35 weeks of gestation. The diagnosis of fetal VOGM with dilated neck vessels was established through a combination of color Doppler ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. A multidisciplinary approach involving maternal-fetal medicine, neonatology, pediatric cardiology, and interventional radiology was implemented. Given the grave prognosis for the baby, the patient received comprehensive counseling. Subsequent monitoring revealed a non-reassuring fetal heart trace, prompting the decision to perform a cesarean section. The newborn, a girl, was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for further management but she died shortly thereafter, with heart failure and intracranial hemorrhage identified as the probable causes of death. In summary, the diagnosis and management of VOGMs demand specialized expertise and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf Tawfiq
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zehour Alsabban
- Department of Radiology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Baradwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Dall'Asta A, Grisolia G, Ghi T. Prenatal imaging of medullary veins of fetal central nervous system: role of novel Doppler tools highly sensitive for low-velocity flow and 3D Doppler technology. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38477169 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- A Dall'Asta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - G Grisolia
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - T Ghi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Ivanov K, Atsev S, Petrov PP, Ilyov I, Penchev P. Epileptic Seizures in a Pediatric Patient With Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation and Obstructive Hydrocephalus: A Rare Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e56962. [PMID: 38665762 PMCID: PMC11044896 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) is a rare congenital arteriovenous fistula of the embryonic median prosencephalic vein of Markowski, resulting in its pathological dilation. If left untreated, it can lead to multiple severe complications in the neonatal period, among which obstructive hydrocephalus. We present a case report of a six-year-old male patient with severe status epilepticus and a clinical history of VGAM and obstructive hydrocephalus, diagnosed via an MRI and an MR-angiography. The hydrocephalus was treated via a ventriculostomy at the age of six months, while the VGAM underwent a partial transarterial endovascular embolization when the patient was four years old. The procedures were successful, and there were no significant post-operative complications observed. The epileptic seizures began at a later point and were successfully medicated with valproate. However, they resumed due to a lowering of the medication dosage by the patient's parents. The patient was given a new valproic acid regimen with an appropriate dosage, and his parents reported no further seizures. This case report emphasizes the use of appropriate prenatal and neonatal diagnostic methods for VGAM and explores the nature of the multi-procedural therapy approach towards the pathology and its complications in relation to a possibly idiopathic co-pathology, namely epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiril Ivanov
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, BGR
| | | | - Petar-Preslav Petrov
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, BGR
| | - Ilko Ilyov
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, BGR
| | - Plamen Penchev
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, BGR
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Chaksuwat P, Jatavan P, Ake-Sittipaisarn S, Chetprayuk N, Tongsong T. Prenatal features of aneurysm of the posterior cerebral artery: a case report. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:734. [PMID: 37848838 PMCID: PMC10583320 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06056-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal cerebral aneurysm other than aneurysm of vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) is extremely rare. This report describes prenatal features of aneurysm of the posterior cerebral artery (APCA) with rapid progression and its natural intrauterine course of the disease, which has never been reported. CASE PRESENTATION This is the first report of prenatal features of APCA, detected at 34-36 weeks of gestation, simulating choroid plexus cyst or arachnoid cyst. The diagnosis was based on color flow ultrasound with tracing along the course of cerebral arteries. Also, rendered 3D color flow ultrasound was helpful in demonstrating course of the vessels feeding the aneurysm and supporting the diagnosis. The aneurysm showed nature of rapidly progressive changes, leading to leakage resulting in intracerebral and intraventricular hemorrhage as well as high output state associated with anemia. Prenatal diagnosis and management are very challenging. This case ended up with planned delivery at 37 weeks, giving birth to a surviving male newborn, weighing 2600 g. The neonatal CT brain scans and CTA confirmed the prenatal findings. The prognosis was relatively poor because of extensive intracerebral hemorrhage with severe hydrocephalus and brain midline shift. The couple opted for neonatal palliative care without neurosurgical correction. CONCLUSION This study demonstrate that the most important tool for prenatal diagnosis is color Doppler ultrasound, which will demonstrate turbulent blood flow. Three-dimension color Doppler ultrasound is helpful in supporting the diagnosis. The case presented here suggests that the disease has a natural course of rapid progression and massive brain destruction or high output congestive heart failure can be expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakorn Chaksuwat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sawanpracharak Hospital, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
| | - Phudit Jatavan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Srimeunwai Ake-Sittipaisarn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nonthawat Chetprayuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sawanpracharak Hospital, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
| | - Theera Tongsong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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Khurana J, Orbach DB, Gauvreau K, Collins SL, Tella JB, Agrawal PB, Christou HA, Mullen MP. Pulmonary Hypertension in Infants and Children with Vein of Galen Malformation and Association with Clinical Outcomes. J Pediatr 2023; 258:113404. [PMID: 37023946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the extent and resolution of pulmonary hypertension (PH), cardiovascular factors, and echocardiographic findings associated with mortality in infants and children with vein of Galen malformation (VOGM). STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective review of 49 consecutive children with VOGM admitted to Boston Children's Hospital from 2007 to 2020. Patient characteristics, echocardiographic data, and hospital course were analyzed for 2 cohorts based on age at presentation to Boston Children's Hospital: group 1 (age ≤60 days) or group 2 (age >60 days). RESULTS Overall hospital survival was 35 of 49 (71.4%); 13 of 26 (50%) in group 1 and 22 of 23 (96%) in group 2 (P < .001). High-output PH (P = .01), cardiomegaly (P = .011), intubation (P = .019), and dopamine use (P = .01) were significantly more common in group 1 than group 2. Among patients in group 1, congestive heart failure (P = .015), intubation (P < .001), use of inhaled nitric oxide (P = .015) or prostaglandin E1 (P = .030), suprasystemic PH (P = .003), and right-sided dilation were significantly associated with mortality; in contrast, left ventricular volume and function, structural congenital heart disease, and supraventricular tachycardia were not associated. Inhaled nitric oxide achieved no clinical benefit in 9 of 11 treated patients. Resolution of PH was associated with overall survival (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS VOGM remains associated with substantial mortality among infants presenting at ≤60 days of life owing to factors associated with high output PH. Resolution of PH is an indicator associated with survival and a surrogate end point for benchmarking outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai Khurana
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Darren B Orbach
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Neurointerventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kimberlee Gauvreau
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Shane L Collins
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Joseph B Tella
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Pankaj B Agrawal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Helen A Christou
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Mary P Mullen
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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Campi F, De Rose DU, Pugnaloni F, Ronci S, Calì M, Pro S, Longo D, Lucignani G, Raho L, Pisaneschi E, Digilio MC, Savarese I, Bersani I, Amante PG, Conti M, De Liso P, Capolupo I, Braguglia A, Gandolfo C, Dotta A. Neurodevelopmental and genetic findings in neonates with intracranial arteriovenous shunts: A case series. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1111527. [PMID: 37063679 PMCID: PMC10090511 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1111527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the latest advances in prenatal diagnosis and postnatal embolization procedures, intracranial arteriovenous shunts (AVSs) are still associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Our aim was to evaluate the presentation and clinical course, the neurodevelopmental outcome, and the genetic findings of neonates with AVSs. Methods In this retrospective observational study, medical records of neonates with cerebral AVSs admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to July 2022 were revised. In particular, we evaluated neuroimaging characteristics, endovascular treatment, neurophysiological features, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and genetic findings. Results We described the characteristics of 11 patients with AVSs. Ten infants (90.9%) required embolization during the first three months of life. In 5/9 infants, pathological electroencephalography findings were observed; of them, two patients presented seizures. Eight patients performed Median Nerve Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (MN-SEPs): of them, six had an impaired response. We found normal responses at Visual Evoked Potentials and Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials. Eight patients survived (72.7%) and were enrolled in our multidisciplinary follow-up program. Of them, 7/8 completed the Bayley-III Scales at 6 months of corrected age: none of them had cognitive and language delays; conversely, a patient had a moderate delay on the Motor scale. The remaining survivor patient developed cerebral palsy and could not undergo Bayley-III evaluation because of the severe psychomotor delay. From the genetic point of view, we found a novel pathogenic variant in the NOTCH3 gene and three additional genomic defects of uncertain pathogenicity. Conclusion We propose SEPs as an ancillary test to discern the most vulnerable infants at the bedside, particularly to identify possible future motor impairment in follow-up. The early identification of a cognitive or motor delay is critical to intervene with personalized rehabilitation treatment and minimize future impairment promptly. Furthermore, the correct interpretation of identified genetic variants could provide useful information, but further studies are needed to investigate the role of these variants in the pathogenesis of AVSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Campi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: Francesca Campi
| | | | - Flaminia Pugnaloni
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ronci
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Calì
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Pro
- Development Neurology Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Longo
- Neuroradiology Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Lucignani
- Neuroradiology Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Raho
- Clinical Psychology Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Pisaneschi
- Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Digilio
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Immacolata Savarese
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Iliana Bersani
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marta Conti
- Clinical and Experimental Neurology Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola De Liso
- Clinical and Experimental Neurology Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Irma Capolupo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Annabella Braguglia
- Neonatal Sub-Intensive Care Unit and Follow-up, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Gandolfo
- Neuroradiology Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Dotta
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Jin H, Meng X, Quan J, Lv M, Jiang C. Transvenous endovascular treatment for vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation with idiopathic bilateral sigmoid sinus occlusion. Interv Neuroradiol 2022:15910199221108309. [PMID: 35702050 DOI: 10.1177/15910199221108309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vein of Galen Malformations (VGAM) and bilateral idiopathic occlusion of the sigmoid sinuses are extremely rare. We report a child with Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation (VGAM) and Idiopathic bilateral sigmoid sinus occlusion simultaneously, and managed through endovascular therapy in one session. This case highlights the coexistence of the lesions, as well as the one-session technical feasibility and good clinical outcome for endovascular treatment. CLINICAL PRESENTATION The child presented with enlarged head circumference and epilepsy. The frequency of seizure increased from one time to several times a day. CTA/CTV confirmed coexistence of Vein of Galen Malformations and idiopathic bilateral sigmoid sinus occlusion. CONCLUSION One session trans-venous approach was performed. The VGAM was completely occluded and the dominant sigmoid sinus was recanalized. Thirteen months telephone follow-up confirmed normal head growth. The patient is seizure-free and recovered very well with normal neurological and developmental condition. This study provides evidentiary support for one-session endovascular therapy in patient with VGAM and idiopathic bilateral sigmoid sinus occlusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengwei Jin
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and 105738Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Meng
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and 105738Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiale Quan
- Pediatric department, Dongming People's Hospital, Dongming, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming Lv
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and 105738Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuhan Jiang
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and 105738Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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