Summary
An aneurysm of the vein of Galen can have a varied CT appearance in infancy. The classical picture is a spherical posterior third ventricular mass with the density of circulating blood contiguous with a dilated straight sinus and with uniform contrast enhancement. With varying degrees of thrombosis of the aneurysm which may occur in late infancy, the mass can change in density and the dilated straight sinus disappear. With total thrombosis, a precontrast hyperdense rim develops with a low density center. The rim enhances but the low density center does not change with contrast infusion. Our experience in three patients with this spectrum of CT findings will be demonstrated and correlated with clinical findings and angiography.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bergen PE, Harwood-Nash DC, Fitz CR (1976) Computerized tomography: abnormal intracerebral collection of blood in children. Neuroradiology 11:29–33
Ventureyra ECG, Ivan LP, Nolari N (1978) Deep seated giant arteriovenous malformations in infancy. Surg Neurol 10: 365–370
Spallone A (1979) Computed tomography in aneurysm of the vein of Galen. J Comput Assist Tomogr 3:779–782
Martelli A, Scotti G, Harwood-Nash DC, Fitz CR, Chuang SH (1980) Aneurysms of the vein of Galen in children: CT and angiographic correlations. Neuroradiology 20:123–133
Yasargil MG, Antic J, Laciga R, Jain KK, Boone SC (1976) Arteriovenous malformations of vein of Galen: microsurgical treatment. Surg Neurol 6:195–200
O'Brien MS, Schechter MM (1970) Arteriovenous malformation involving the Galenic system. AJR 110:50–55
Norman D, Price D, Boyd D, Fishman R, Newton TH (1977) Quantitative aspects of computed tomography of the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Radiology 123:335–338
Pinto RS, Kricheff II, Butler AR, Murali R (1979) Correlation of computed tomographic, angiographic and neuropathological changes in giant cerebral aneurysm. Radiology 132:85–92
Russell DS, Nevin S (1940) Aneurysm of the great vein of Galen causing internal hydrocephalus: report of two cases. J Pathol Bacteriol 51:375–383
Thompson JL (1959) Aneurysm of the vein of Galen. Br J Radiol 32:680–684
Russell W, Newton TH (1964) Aneurysm of the vein of Galen. AJR 92:756–760
Heinz ER, Schwartz JF, Sears RA (1968) Thrombosis of the vein of Galen malformation. Br J Radiol 41:424–428
Agee OF, Musella R, Tweed CG (1969) Aneurysm of the great vein of Galen. J Neurosurg 31:346–351
Zingesser LH, Schechter MM, Kier EK, O'Brien MS (1969) Vascular malformation of the posterior fossa including the tentorial hiatus. AJR 105:341–347
Norman MG, Becker LE (1974) Cerebral damage in neonates resulting from arteriovenous malformation of the vein of Galen. J Neurol Neuroaurg Psychiat 37:252–258
Dandy WE, Blackfan KD (1914) Internal hydrocephalus: An experimental, clinical and pathological study. Am J Dis Child 8:406–412
Bedford TH (1934) The great vein of Galen and the syndrome of increased intracranial pressure. Brain 47:1–24
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and must not be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Shirkhoda, A., Whaley, R.A., Boone, S.C. et al. Varied CT appearance of aneurysms of the vein of Galen in infancy. Neuroradiology 21, 265–270 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02100157
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02100157