Abstract

GONZALEZ RAMOS, Javier; CECILIANO, Alejandro  and  ZUCCARO, Graciela. Malformación de la vena de Galeno. Rev. argent. neurocir. [online]. 2006, vol.20, n.4, pp.169-172. ISSN 1850-1532.

Objective: to describe and analyse the embryology, anatomy, angioarchitecture and clinical presentation of the vein of Galen malformation. Method: bibliographic review and up to date. Results: the vein of Galen malformation is a congenital anomaly that represents 30% of all the vascular lesions in the pediatric population. It is secondary to the persistence of an embrionary vein: the medial prosencephalic vein, associated with arterial shunts secondary to the persistence of a fistulous connection with the coroideal primitive arteries. The vein of Galen is localized at the pineal region, within the cuadrigeminal cistern. It is formed by the union of both internal cerebral veins and drains posteriorly into strait sinus. It has a length of 3.1 to 25 mm. They are classified in: 1) truth aneurismal malformation and 2) aneurismal dilatation. Based on its angioarchitecture the first type is divided into 2 forms: mural and coroidal. The clinical presentation is variable and depends on the type. Prenatal diagnosis is possible with ecography and magnetic resonance. Definitive diagnosis is performed with digital angiography. A successful treatment depends on the recognition of the different types and forms and on the presence of an appropriate team of specialists. Conclusion: the knowledge of the embryology, anatomy and, types and forms of the vein of Galen malformation assure the success of its diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords : Angioarchitecture; Classification; Vein of Galen malformation.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )