Intracranial arteriovenous malformation with aneurysm of the vein of Galen as cause of heart failure in infancy. Echocardiographic diagnosis and results of treatment.

Sixteen patients with an intracranial arteriovenous malformation associated with an aneurysm of the great vein of Galen have presented to The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, over the past 13 years. Ten patients presented in cardiac failure and all were referred as having a primary cardiac condition. Latterly, cross-sectional echocardiography with contrast injection has been found to give rapid and accurate diagnosis in this condition and has avoided invasive cardiac investigations, though it has not replaced the detailed neuroradiological studies required for the treatment of this condition. The prospects for survival and a satisfactory outcome in neonates are poor.