Vein of Galen malformation

Case contributed by Alexandra Stanislavsky
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Tertiary follow-up scan at 32 weeks of gestation.

Patient Data

Age: 32 weeks' gestation
Gender: Female
ultrasound

Greyscale ultrasound image shows a prominent anechoic, midline structure within the fetal head. Doppler assessment demonstrates prominent, turbulent flow within it, with a low resistance waveform.

Case Discussion

Antenatal ultrasound at 32 weeks' gestation demonstrates an elongated, anechoic midline structure which extends posteriorly toward the occiput. There is turbulent, low resistance flow on colour Doppler. The features are in keeping with a vein of Galen malformation.

There were no features of fetal hydrops in this case; however, this is the major complication that is looked for in the follow up of such patients.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.