Vein of Galen Malformation

Vein of Galen Malformation

Vein of Galen malformation is a very rare disorder known as cerebral vascular malformation which affect the blood vessels in the brain. The irregularity occurs during embryonic development when there is flaw in the connection between arteries and the deep draining veins. Capillaries which allows the blood to send oxygen and nutrients slowly to the brain is lacking in the connection which makes the blood run too fast which prompts the heart to work to hard. Too much blood accumulates in a deep draining vein causing it to expand which can cause heart failure. Heart failure is the most standard concern in newborns.

Sometimes a Vein of Galen malformation may be diagnosed by an ultrasound before a baby is born, yet it may not be found until after the baby is born and it undergoes heart failure. Every so often, children with Vein of Galen malformation never develop heart failure but because of the miscommunication between the arteries and veins, the water inside the brain cannot be completely consumed. The baby's head expands but over time the baby will grow into it.

To determine if the baby symptoms or heart failure is caused by Vein of Galen malformation, some test may be performed such as an Angiogram, CT or MRI. Embolization may be required as treatment which decreases blood flow by cutting off encompassing blood vessels.