What is a vein of Galen malformation?
A vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) is a type of rare blood vessel abnormality inside the brain. In VOGM, misshapen arteries in the brain connect directly with veins, instead of connecting with capillaries, which help slow blood flow. This causes a rush of high-pressure blood into the veins.
This extra pressure in the veins can cause a number of problems:
- The rush of blood toward the heart and lungs forces the heart to work overtime to get blood to the rest of the body. This can lead to congestiveheart failurein some infants.
- Blood pressure in the arteries from the heart to the lungs may rise, causing a serious condition calledpulmonary hypertension.
- The high pressure in the veins can prevent the infant’s brain from draining adequately. This can lead to widespread brain injury and sometimes causes severe loss of tissue in the brain.
- Some infants can develophydrocephalusan enlarged head) if the VOGM blocks the normal flow of fluid in the brain.
If not diagnosed and treated early, VOGM can cause severe problems and may even be life threatening.
What are the symptoms of vein of Galen malformation?
Symptoms of a vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) usually begin shortly after birth or during early childhood.
Common symptoms may include:
- heart failure, often within the first day or two of life
- hydrocephalus
- unusually prominent veins on the face and scalp
- developmental delays
- persistentheadache
- in very rare cases, a bleed in the brain
What are the causes of vein of Galen malformation?
A VOGM occurs during a baby’s early prenatal development, usually during the first trimester. It is not known exactly what causes a VOGM, but it is likely genetic.
VOGM sometimes, but not always, occurs withvascular anomaliesthat affect other parts of the body. They generally are not inherited.
How we care for vein of Galen malformation
The Boston Children’s HospitalCerebrovascular Surgery and Interventions Centeris one of the few pediatric centers in the world that specializes in treating VOGMs.
We bring together an unusually large number of specialties to care for your child, matched by few other hospitals. They include pediatric specialists invascular anomalies,neonatal intensive care,cardiology,neurology, neuroanesthesiology, neurointerventional radiology, andneurosurgery, as well as staff in ourMedical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit在确保最好的,他的专长是至关重要的outcomes.
Our physicians attend weekly conferences with theVascular Anomalies Centerat Boston Children’s. Through active research, we are constantly exploring methods to make a more precise diagnosis of VOGM and seeking new treatments.
Fetal intervention for vein of Galen malformations
Boston Children’s Cerebrovascular Surgery and Interventions Center is conducting a clinical trial on fetal intervention for vein of Galen malformation, along with specialists from Boston Children’sMaternal Fetal Care Centerand the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine Group. Visit ourstudy pageto learn more.
