History of surgery for cerebrovascular disease in children. Part II. Vein of Galen malformations.
Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations are a mixed group of lesions characterized by an abnormal fistula between abnormal distal branches of the choroidal and/or posterior cerebral arteries and the great vein of Galen. In this paper the authors trace the historical evolution of the current approach to diagnosis and treatment, and the literature is reviewed comprehensively. During the historical era, vein of Galen malformations were described in individual case reports and an early classification system was developed. In the early era of treatment, open surgery was the preferred approach, although morbidity and mortality rates were high. The development of neurointerventional techniques allowed the introduction of occlusive materials into the fistula, with pronounced improvements in clinical outcome.
Blount
Jeffrey P
JP
Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham/Children's Hospital of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, USA. jeffrey.blount@ccc.uab.edu
Oakes
W Jerry
WJ
Tubbs
R Shane
RS
Humphreys
Robin P
RP
D002550:Cerebral Veins / Q000002:abnormalities; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000266:history; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000266:history*; D005060:Europe; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000266:history*; D009656:North America