Neurosurgery notes/Vascular/AV shunt/Vein of Galen disease/Vein of Galen Varix

Vein of Galen Varix

  • Dilation of the vein not due to AV shunts has two types
    • Transient asymptomatic dilation of vein of Galen in neonates presenting with cardiac failure from an aetiology other than VGAM
      • Improves after dealing with cardiac condition
    • An anatomic variation: venous anomaly present --> venous drainage of the brain converges to the deep venous system to bypass the anomaly --> vein of Galen varix --> asymptomatic
      • Inc risk of future venous thrombosis and ischemic symptoms is due to lack of compliance