Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformations in Pediatric Patients Submitted to Endovascular Treatment: Report of 3 Cases

Objective To report three cases of vein of Galen aneurysmalmalformation (VGAM) in pediatric patients treated at the hemodynamics lab of Hospital Santa Isabel (HSI) in Blumenau, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, from 2006 to 2020. Clinical presentation, endovascular treatment, and postprocedure evolution to date are included. Case description Three children aged 5 to 12 months with cardiac, respiratory, or neurological damage in the neonatal stage, were referred to the neurosurgery service and diagnosed with VGAM. The three patients underwent endovascular embolization of themalformation, with different clinical evolution throughout outpatient follow-up. Conclusion Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations are uncommon vascular abnormalities that, until the advent of endovascular embolization, were associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Its prognosis is linked with initial clinic, early diagnosis, and timely surgical correction.

Malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo en pediatría: experiencia en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad / High-flow vascular malformations of the brain in pediatrics: Experience in a tertiary care children's hospital

Introducción. Las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo son poco comunes en la edad pediátrica. El objetivo del trabajo es diferenciar y agrupar estas enfermedades según edad de debut, manifestaciones clínicas y angioarquitectura.Población y método. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y observacional. Se analizaron las historias clínicas, los estudios por imágenes y los protocolos de procedimientos de pacientes del Hospital J. P. Garrahan con diagnóstico de malformaciones vasculares cerebrales desde enero de 2010 hasta enero de 2020.Resultados. Ciento ochenta y tres pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se identificaron 131 pacientes con malformaciones arteriovenosas con nido (MAV) y 52 con fístulas directas (sin nido), entre los que se hallaron 19 malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, 23 fístulas piales y 10 fístulas durales. La edad promedio fue de 105 meses para las MAV, 1,7 meses para las malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, 60,5 meses para fístulas piales y 41 meses para fístulas durales.Conclusión. Según su angioarquitectura, las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo tuvieron nido (MAV) o fueron fístulas directas (malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, fístulas piales y fístulas durales). Las MAV se manifestaron a partir de la primera infancia, sobre todo, por hemorragia intracraneana. Las fístulas directas se expresaron en la primera etapa de la vida, frecuentemente, con insuficiencia cardíaca.

Introduction. High-flow vascular malformations of the brain are uncommon in pediatrics. The objective of this study is to establish the differences among these pathologies and group them by age at onset, clinical manifestations, and angioarchitecture.Population and method. This was a retrospective and observational study. The medical records, imaging studies, and procedure protocols of patients seen at Hospital J. P. Garrahan diagnosed with vascular malformations of the brain between January 2010 and January 2020 were analyzed.Results. A total of 183 patients met the inclusion criteria. It was possible to identify 131 patients with arteriovenous malformations with a nidus (AVMs) and 52 with direct fistulas (without a nidus), including 19 vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, 23 pial fistulas, and 10 dural fistulas. The average age of patients was 105 months for AVMs, 1.7 months for vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, 60.5 months for pial fistulas, and 41 months for dural fistulas.Conclusion. Based on their angioarchitecture, high-flow vascular malformations of the brain presented a nidus (AVMs) or direct fistulas (vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, pial fistulas, and dural fistulas). AVMs were observed in early childhood, especially due to intracranial hemorrhage. Direct fistulas occurred in the first stage of life, commonly with heart failure.

Relevancia clínica del diagnóstico ecográfico de la malformación aneurismática en la vena de Galeno / Clinical relevance of ultrasound diagnosis of Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation

Introducción: La malformación aneurismática en la vena de Galeno es infrecuente, pero tiene alta mortalidad en neonatos. Objetivo: Examinar la relevancia clínica del diagnóstico ecográfico de la malformación aneurismática en la vena de Galeno Métodos: Investigación observacional, prospectiva y transversal realizado en el Cardiocentro William Soler. (noviembre 1999-diciembre 2016) La muestra la conformaron 18 neonatos con diagnóstico de malformación aneurismática en la vena de Galeno variedad coroidea mediante ecografía doppler. Se configuraron dos grupos de referencia: 1) 70 niños supuestamente sanos. 2) 73 niños con malformación de la vena Galeno de diferente naturaleza que la variante coroidea estudiada. El procesamiento de la información incluyó elementos de estadística inferencial y herramientas de la medicina basada en la evidencia. Resultados: La presencia de fallo cardíaco neonatal, signos electrocardiográficos de isquemia miocárdica y detección de soplo continuo transcraneal, fueron significativamente diferentes en el grupo de estudio en relación con el grupo de referencia (p= 0,000001), con predominio en el número de pacientes del grupo estudio en todas las variables. Los resultados anteriores conjugados con diversos hallazgos ecográficos: la dilatación anómala de la vena, exceso de vasculatura aferente, reducción de los índices circulatorios encefálicos e incremento en los diámetros vasculares supraaórticos, identificaron de forma precisa la malformación aneurismática en la vena de Galeno. La evaluación del riesgo relativo reafirmó la documentación de los hallazgos expuestos. Conclusiones: La ecografía doppler, por su relevancia clínica y vínculo con otros elementos diagnósticos, es mandatoria en la detección de la malformación aneurismática en la vena de Galeno(AU)

Introduction: Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation is not frequent but it has high mortality rates in newborns. Objective: To assess the clinical relevance of ultrasound diagnosis of Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation. Methods: Observational, prospective and cross-sectional research conducted in William Soler Cardiocentro (November 1999- December 2016). The sample was formed by 18 newborns with diagnosis of Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (choroidal variety) through doppler echocardiography. Two reference groups were formed: 1) 70 supposedly healthy children; 2) 73 children with Vein of Galen malformation with a nature different to the studied choroidal variety. Processing of the information included elements of inferential statistics and tools from medicine based in evidences. Results: The presence of neonatal heart failure, electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischemia and detection of transcranial continuous murmur were significantly different in the study group in relation with the reference group (p= 0,000001), with predominance in the number of patients of the study group in all the variables. The previous results combined with different ultrasound findings as the anomalous dilation of the vein, the excess of afferent vasculature, the reduction of encephalic circulation indexes and the increase of the supraaortic vascular diameters identified in a precise way the vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation. The assessment of the relative risk reaffirmed the information on the exposed findings. Conclusions: Doppler echography, due to its clinical importance and its links with other diagnostic elements, is mandatory in the detection of the vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation(AU)

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

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.

Malformación aneurismática de la vena de Galeno / Aneurysms malformation of vein of Galen

Introducción: La malformación aneurismática de la vena de Galeno es una infrecuente variedad de fístula arteriovenosa cerebral de origen embriológico. Se localiza en la línea media de la fisura coroidal y tiene morfología de amplio espectro. Objetivo: Exponer información actualizada acerca del tema. Método: La información se obtuvo de la búsqueda automatizada realizada fundamentalmente en bases de datos MEDLINE, Current Contents y Scielo. Resultados: La malformación aneurismática de la vena Galeno se manifiesta con síntomas y signos derivados de la insuficiencia cardiaca severa refractaria al tratamiento médico y del daño neurológico que provoca. La entidad implica morbilidad grave y mortalidad en el periodo neonatal. La angiorresonancia es la técnica de referencia, pero la ecografía doppler es buen método de valoración. El tratamiento de elección es la embolización endovascular. Consideraciones finales: Debe existir índice elevado de sospecha para no fracasar en el diagnóstico precoz de la enfermedad. Es importante definir la anatomía de la lesión, por las implicaciones clínicas, terapéuticas y pronósticas que ello acarrea. El tratamiento exitoso sigue siendo un reto terapéutico complejo(AU)

Introduction: Vein of Galen aneurysm is a rare and congenital cerebral arteriovenous abnormality with reported incidence of 1:25 000 live births. It represents the 30 percent of the vascular congenital cerebral malformations that harm the pediatric population. Objective: To show updated information about the topic. Method: The information was obtained from the automated search mostly done in MEDLINE, CurrentContents and Scielo databases. Development: Vein of Galen malformation presents with symptoms and signs derived from the severe refractary heart failure to medical treatment and the neurologic damage it causes. That entity implies severe morbidity and mortality on the neonatal period. Angioresonance is the reference technique, but the Doppler ecography is a good valuation method. The election treatment is the endovascular embolization. Final considerations: There must be an elevated rate of suspect to do not fail on the early diagnostic of the disease. It is important to define the lesion's anatomy, because of the clinic, therapeutic and prognostic implications this represent. The successful treatment is still a complex therapeutic challenge(AU)

Aneurisma de la vena de Galeno: diagnóstico prenatal y manejo / Vein of Galen aneurysm: prenatal diagnosis and management

RESUMEN Las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales son infrecuentes, dentro de ellas, el aneurisma de la vena de Galeno (AVG) tiene una incidencia de 1 en 25.000 recién nacidos. El ultrasonido obstétrico de rutina ha permitido el diagnóstico prenatal de dicha alteración, permitiendo establecer el pronóstico del recién nacido. En la exploración mediante ultrasonido del cerebro fetal, la presencia de una imagen quística supratentorial con flujo turbulento al Doppler color permite establecer el diagnóstico. La asociación con signos de insuficiencia cardiaca ha mostrado altas tasas de mortalidad neonatal. Se presenta el caso de un feto al que se realiza el diagnóstico prenatal mediante ultrasonido y su confirmación por neuroimagenes al nacimiento.

ABSTRACT Cerebral vascular abnormalities are rare. The vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) has an incidence of 1 in 25,000 newborns. The routine obstetric ultrasound has allowed the prenatal diagnosis and establish the prognosis of the newborn. In the ultrasound examination of the fetal brain, the presence of a supratentorial cystic image with turbulent flow to the color Doppler makes the diagnosis. The association with signs of heart failure have shown high neonatal mortality. We present a case of a fetus with prenatal diagnosis of VGAM by 2D ultrasound and confirmation by neuroimaging at birth.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Galen Vein Aneurysm Using Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Perinatal and LongTerm Neurological Outcomes: A Case Series / Diagnóstico do aneurisma de veia de Galeno por meio de ultrassonografia e ressonância magnética e resultados perinatais e neurológicos: série de casos

Abstract Objective To describe the prenatal diagnosis of Galen vein aneurysm (GVA) based on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a series of cases, as well as its postnatal outcomes and follow-up until 4 years of age. Methods A retrospective longitudinal study was performed, analyzing a database comprising seven cases of prenatal diagnosis of GVA at two Brazilian institutions from February of 2000 to May of 2012. The following data were evaluated: gestational age at diagnosis, GVA dimensions on ultrasonography, associated fetal changes, findings on fetal echocardiography, gestational age at delivery, type of delivery, birth weight, Apgar score at the 1st and 5th minutes, neonatal outcomes, and survival with follow-up until 4 years of age. Results The mean gestational age ± standard deviation on the prenatal diagnosis of GVA based on ultrasonography was 25±4.9 weeks. The mean length of GVA was 3.2±0.4 cm. The mean gestational age at birth was 37.5±0.7 weeks, and a cesarean section was performed in 85.7% of the cases (6/7). The mean birth weight was 3,070±240.4 g. The total survival rate was 42.8% (4/7), with three neonatal deaths. Of the four survivors, three presented with normal neuropsychomotor development until 4 years of age and only one showed serious neurological sequelae. Ultrasonography and MRI showed similar findings for all seven cases. Conclusions Galen Vein Aneurysm is associated with a high neonatal death rate. Therefore, its prenatal diagnosis is essential for parent counseling and follow-up at tertiary care institutions.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever o diagnóstico pré-natal de uma série de casos de aneurisma de veia de Galeno (AVG) por meio de ultrassonografia e ressonância magnética (RM), bem como os resultados pós-natais e acompanhamento até 4 anos de vida. Métodos Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo longitudinal com análise de banco de dados de sete casos de diagnóstico pré-natal de AVG em dois serviços brasileiros entre fevereiro de 2000 e maio de 2012. Foram avaliados a idade gestacional ao diagnóstico, dimensões do AVG na ultrassonografia, alterações fetais associadas, achados da ecocardiografia fetal, idade gestacional ao parto, tipo de parto, peso ao nascimento, índice de Apgar no 1° e 5° minutos, resultados neonatais, e sobrevida com acompanhamento até 4 anos de idade. Perinatais Resultados A idade gestacional média±desvio-padrão ao diagnóstico pré-natal do AVG pela ultrassonografia foi de 25±4,9 semanas. O comprimento médio do AVG foi 3,2±0,4 cm. A idade gestacional média ao nascimento foi 37,5±0,7 semanas, sendo que, em 85,7% dos casos (6/7) o parto foi cesáreo. O peso médio ao nascimento foi de 3.070±240,4 gramas. A sobrevida total foi de 42,8% (4/7), com três óbitos neonatais. Dos quatro sobreviventes, três apresentaram desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor normal até a idade de 4 anos, sendo que apenas um apresentou sequelas neurológicas graves. Ultrassonografia e RM apresentaram achados semelhantes nos sete casos. Conclusões O AVG está associado à elevada taxa de óbito neonatal, sendo, portanto, fundamental o seu diagnóstico pré-natal precoce para aconselhamento dos pais e seguimento em serviço terciário.