Spontaneous Occlusion of a Vein of Galen Malformation: A Case Report and Proposed Mechanism

Abstract

A vein of Galen malformation (VGM) is a rare condition of the pediatric population. Our patient was diagnosed with VGM on intrauterine ultrasound. At birth, she was noted to have multiple congenital heart defects but no signs of congestive heart failure, and intervention was delayed. Our patient presented at 4 months of age with worsening hydrocephalus due to the enlargement of the VGM. A ventricular peritoneal shunt was placed. At 26 months of age, our patient was taken for embolization of the VGM. Cerebral angiography showed no VGM. We present that changes in hemodynamics after shunt placement lead to the thrombosis of the VGM.