Vein of Galen malformation
Overview
A rare condition which is characterised by an aneurysm resulting from a intracranial vascular malformation.
Symptoms
* Congestive heart failure * Tachypnea * Respiratory distress * Cyanosis * Seizures * Macrocephaly * Hydrocephalus * Headache
Causes
Although any vessel may be affected, the vein of Galen is the most frequently affected. Congenital malformation develops during weeks 6-11 of fetal development as a persistent embryonic prosencephalic vein of Markowski.
Diagnosis
* High Blood Pressure: Home Testing Home Blood Pressure Tests Home Blood Pressure Monitors Home Heart Tests * Heart Health: Home Testing: Heart Rate Monitors Irregular Heartbeat Detection Heart Electrocardiogram (ECG) Home Cholesterol Tests
Prognosis
Poor when hydrops is present.
Treatment
The goals of treatment are to control thrombus development, prevent complications, relieve pain, and prevent recurrence of the disorder. Symptomatic measures include bed rest, with elevation of the affected arm or leg; warm, moist soaks to the affected area; and analgesics. After the acute episode of DVT subsides, the patient may resume activity while wearing antiembolism stockings that were applied before he got out of bed. Treatment also includes anticoagulants (initially, heparin; later, warfarin) to prolong clotting time. Low-molecular-weight (LMW) heparin has been shown to be effective in treating DVT. Although LMW heparin is more expensive, it doesn’t require monitoring for its anticoagulant effect. Full anticoagulant doses must be discontinued during any operative period because of the risk of hemorrhage. After some types of surgery, especially major abdominal or pelvic operations, prophylactic doses of anticoagulants may reduce the risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism. For lysis of acute, extensive DVT, treatment should include streptokinase. Rarely, DVT may cause complete venous occlusion, which necessitates venous interruption through simple ligation to vein plication, or clipping. Embolectomy and insertion of a vena caval umbrella or filter may also be done.