Occlusion of the great vein of Galen associated with a huge meningioma in the pineal region

The authors report a case in which the great vein of Galen was occluded during removal of a huge meningioma in the pineal region. The patient recovered satisfactorily without any serious neurological deficits after the operation. Preoperative angiography had shown marked stenosis of the great vein of Galen and anastomoses between the deep and the superficial venous systems. Occlusion of the great vein of Galen may be well tolerated in particular cases if this vein is already compromised.