Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation: A Case Report With Insights Into Radiological Diagnosis Using Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This report details the comprehensive radiological evaluation of a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation in a neonate, using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Vein of Galen malformation is a rare, congenital cerebral arteriovenous fistula and the leading cause of life-threatening high-output cardiac failure in neonates. A late preterm male infant presented with worsening tachypnea and generalized body swelling. Initial cranial ultrasonography revealed a large, midline anechoic structure with intense flow on color Doppler. Subsequent multiplanar magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography precisely delineated the neurovascular anatomy, showing a markedly dilated median prosencephalic vein, arterial supply from the left posterior cerebral artery, and the absence of normal deep venous drainage. This case highlights the critical, complementary roles of ultrasonography for rapid, accessible diagnosis and hemodynamic assessment, and magnetic resonance imaging for definitive anatomical mapping and pretreatment planning.