Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
A vein of Galen malformation is a rare intracranial vascular lesion affecting the pediatric population. Its poor prognosis has been significantly improved with the development of endovascular embolization. In this paper the authors review the developmental mechanisms, clinical pathophysiology, and the available data on the management and outcome of the disease.
Introduction
AVGM consists of multiple arteriovenous shunts draining into a dilated median prosencephalic vein of Markowski.[1,33,46] This persistent embryonic vein is normally absent in the adult. Although a rare intracranial vascular anomaly, VGM has been estimated to represent 30% of pediatric vascular malformations.[32]
Neurosurg Focus. 2009;27(5):E8 © 2009 American Association of Neurological Surgeons
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