Vein of Galen Malformation

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

A vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) occurs when there is an abnormal connection between arteries and the deep draining veins. Normally, these arteries and veins are connected by capillaries, which monitor and slow blood flow through the brain, allowing for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients. However, because a VOGM does not have capillaries, the blood flow becomes very fast, making the heart work harder.

Heart failure is considered the most common symptom of VOGM. This is usually caused by the high level of abnormal blood flow through the VOGM, which can put great strain on an infant's heart.

A VOGM can also cause an infant to have abnormally rapid head growth during infancy. This is due to hydrocephalus -- the accumulation of excess fluid in the brain caused by interference with the normal drainage of the fluid produced by the brain, called cerebrospinal fluid.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated August 15, 2007