Prenatal Diagnosis of Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation Allows Early Transumbilical Endovascular Treatment

Abstract

Neonates with vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) presenting with severe cardiac failure and pulmonary hypertension represent a challenge for endovascular therapy. When early treatment is required, the small femoral arteries in this population are usually difficult to cannulate. Alternatively, the umbilical vessels offer a natural pathway to reach the lesion. Therefore, prenatal diagnosis of VGAM allows for delivery planning, perinatal management, and embolization through umbilical approach, thus leading to better outcomes.

Keywords

• vein of galen malformations
• arteriovenous malformations
• prenatal diagnosis
• umbilical arteries
• newborn infant
• endovascular procedures.