title: Neurocognitive improvements following endovascular repair of vein of Galen malformation in a child.
abstract: Cognitive regression is a well-described presentation of vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAMs) in childhood. However, it remains unclear whether successful treatment of the malformation can reverse cognitive regression. Here, the authors present the case of a 5-year-old girl with a VGAM that was treated with staged endovascular embolization procedures. Comprehensive neurocognitive assessments were completed before intervention and approximately 6 years after initial presentation. There were significant age-matched improvements in this child's neurocognitive profile over this period. The authors believe that timely and successful treatment of VGAM in children may not only stabilize the associated cognitive deterioration but, in some cases, may ameliorate these deficits. Details of this case and a discussion of neurocognitive deficits related to VGAM are presented.
authors.affiliation: Departments of 1 Neuropsychology.
authors.forename: Robyn A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Howarth
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reisner
authors.forename: Joshua J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Chern
authors.forename: Laura L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berenstein
mesh_terms: D002550:Cerebral Veins / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000379:methods; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D054080:Vein of Galen Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: VGAM = vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation; endovascular procedures; neuropsychological tests; pediatric neurosurgery; vascular disorders; vein of Galen