Arteriovenous malformation of the vein of Galen in three neonates: Emphasis on associated early ischaemic brain damage

Vein of Galen malformation is a rare intracranial disorder in newborns. In recent years the survival rate has improved due to improvement in endovascular treatment of this abnormality. We describe three neonates with a vein of Galen malformation for whom treatment was not attempted because of associated severe cerebral damage, of antenatal origin in two and of perinatal origin in the other. Autopsy was performed in two neonates. Periventricular leukomalacia was present in both cases, associated in one case with cortical infarction, gliosis and atrophy. Conclusion. We recommend careful evaluation of associated cerebral damage prior to attempted treatment of the vein of Galen malformation.