Vein of Galen Malformation (VGM) is a rare blood vessel abnormality inside the brain. In this condition, there are misshapen arteries in the brain that connect directly to the veins rather than the capillaries. This allows a rush of high-pressure blood into the veins, which can cause a wide array of problems such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or hydrocephalus.
The most common symptoms of Vein of Galen Malformation (VGM) are:
This condition is caused by a malformation of the veins during a baby’s prenatal development. This is likely a genetic condition, but at this time, more study of Vein of Galen Malformations is needed to confirm this supposition. Vein of Galen Malformation (VGM) can also occur in other parts of the body, but these are usually not linked with heredity like Galen malformations in the brain.
This condition is often diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound in the later stages of a woman’s pregnancy. It can also be diagnosed after birth if the infant begins to show the symptoms of the condition. MRI is the most commonly used test to identify and confirm the condition. A CT might also be used to generate images of the blood vessels in the chest, neck, and brain through the use of an injected contrast dye.
MRA, which is magnetic resonance angiography, can be used to get a very close look at the blood vessels in the brain, head, and neck of the baby as well.
The main goal of treatment for Vein of Galen Malformation is to reduce the blood flow through the abnormality as much as possible while protecting blood flow to the brain. The most common procedure used to treat VGM is embolization, which closes off blood flow to the Vein of Galen Malformation.
Patients might also need other supportive care related to complications that they have experienced related to their VGM. Most children will need life-long supportive care and monitoring of the lesion to make sure that it has not grown bigger or caused new problems over time. Some children will need physical therapy and other supportive therapies to help with problems related to growth or speech and motor skills.
Prevention of this condition is not possible as the formation of the Vein of Galen Malformation happens in utero without any early warning signs.