Interv Neuroradiol
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The aim of the study was to quantify embolisation in a vein of Galen malformation by intraluminal measurements of flow velocities in the feeding vessels and to test a new O.014-inch Doppler guide wire in the paediatric population. The examination was performed in a seven month old boy who presented with a vein of Galen malformation combined with congestive cardiac failure from birth. The measurements showed a decrease of the systolic and diastolic velocities and an increase in the effective downstream vascular resistance after closure of the high flow fistula. ⋯ The reduction of about 40% of the vein of Galen malformation estimated with morphological criteria was associated with a decrease of the diastolic velocity in the basilar artery of about 50%. The clinical improvement led to the discontinuance of most of the cardiac treatment over a few days. These measurements seem to offer the possibility to assess the necessary reduction of the shunt to relieve CCF in a vein of Galen malformation.