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Diagnosis of Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation using fetal MRI
Author(s) -
Zhou LiXia,
Dong SuZhen,
Zhang MingFeng
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of magnetic resonance imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.563
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1522-2586
pISSN - 1053-1807
DOI - 10.1002/jmri.25478
Subject(s) - medicine , hydrocephalus , fetus , radiology , jugular vein , arteriovenous fistula , thrombosis , magnetic resonance imaging , vein , pregnancy , surgery , biology , genetics
Purpose To present three fetal vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAMs), which were diagnosed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and highlight these cardiovascular findings. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed three fetuses with VGAM at 31, 32, and 33 weeks of gestation. Feeding arteries and draining veins were observed by MRI. Secondary changes in the brain and high‐output heart failure caused by high blood flow in the lesion were evaluated. Two fetuses were born, and neonatal MRI was performed. One fetus was terminated. Results A characteristic dilated structure in the midline of the brain presented in each fetus. The arteriovenous fistula led to anatomical brain changes such as in the hydrocephalus, dilated feeding vessels (one or more), jugular vein, and/or superior vena cava. Substantial brachiocephalic vessel dilation was observed in two fetuses. Following parturition, one baby had neonatal asphyxia and sinus thrombosis, and MRI revealed hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy. Cardiomegaly was detected in all three cases. Conclusion With a large field of view, fetal MRI can observe brain VGAM, as well as the heart and affected large vessels. It can determine hydrocephalus, ischemia, intracranial hemorrhage, and sinus thrombosis. Providing such information on the infant's entire body can aid clinicians in determining the most appropriate treatment. Level of Evidence: 4 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1535–1539.