Cerebellopontomandibular vascular malformation: a rare type of cerebrofacial arteriovenous metameric syndrome. Case report

Cerebrofacial arteriovenous metameric syndrome type I + II + III: An unusual case

Cerebrofacial arteriovenous Metameric syndrome (CAMS) typically manifests as types I, II, or III, occasionally presenting as dual types. Our unique case underscores the coexistence of all three CAMS types in one patient. Furthermore, the concurrent acute cerebellar infarct underscores the need to consider CAMS in the differential diagnosis of adolescents experiencing neurological events.

The cerebrofacial metameric syndromes: An embryological review and proposal of a novel classification scheme

The cerebrofacial metameric syndromes are a group of congenital syndromes that result in vascular malformations throughout specific anatomical distributions of the brain, cranium and face. Multiple reports of patients with high-flow or low-flow vascular malformations following a metameric distribution have supported this idea. There has been much advancement in understanding of segmental organization and cell migration since the concept of metameric vascular syndromes was first proposed. We aim to give an updated review of these embryological considerations and then propose a more detailed classification system for these syndromes, predominately incorporating the contribution of neural crest cells and somitomeres to the pharyngeal arches.

Endovascular treatment of a neonate with dural arteriovenous fistula and other features suggestive of cerebrofacial arteriovenous metameric syndromes

INTRODUCTION

Over the years, patients presented with cerebrofacial vascular malformations which occurred in clusters. The syndromic presentation suggested angio-architectural abnormality, which started to develop during embryogenesis. The segmentation of the neural tube could provide a rational explanation for such a neuropathological phenomenon. Based on this theory, cerebrofacial arteriovenous metameric syndrome (CAMS) was derived. This describes clinical association between arteriovenous malformations of the face, retina, and brain. In this case's presentation, the syndromic presentation of the patient provided further evidence to the theory.

CASE REPORT

The authors report a case of a male neonate presenting with heart failure at birth. He was found to have a left sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF), an upper lip arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and a capillary hemangioma over the nose. The neuropathological clustering of vascular lesions is suggestive of CAMS. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular treatment and showed normal development during our follow-up assessment.

CONCLUSION

With the evolving evidence for the embryo-developmental theory for the clustering of angio-pathological lesions, further study and development of pathophysiology should be continued in following this track of theory. The success of endovascular intervention has warranted a favorable treatment option.