[5] Malformations often lead to cardiac failure, cranial bruits (pattern 1), hydrocephaly, and subarachnoid hemorrhage in neonates.

[6] Non-developmental syndromes also directly or indirectly affect the Great Cerebral Vein of Galen, although they are extremely rare.

[9] Diagnosis is generally achieved by signs such as cranial bruits and symptoms such as expanded facial veins.

[4] Treatment depends on the anatomy of the malformation as determined by angiography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Recent advances over the past few decades have made endovascular embolization the preferred method of treatment.

[12] The young age of many patients, the complex vascular anatomy, and the sensitive location of the Vein of Galen offer considerable challenges to surgeons.

[12] Radiotherapy is often not pursued as a treatment because the effects of the procedure can take months or years and there is risk of damaging adjacent brain tissue.

[12] Endovascular treatments involve delivering drugs, balloons, or coils to the site of the malformation through blood vessels via catheters.

The wall of the vein can be damaged during the procedure and, in some cases, the emboli can become dislodged and travel through the vascular system.

[5] Two-dimensional echocardiography with color-flow imaging and pulsed Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate one fetus and five neonates with a Vein of Galen malformation.

[14] Color-flow imaging and pulsed Doppler ultrasonography provided anatomical and pathophysiological information regarding cardiac hemodynamics and intracranial blood flow; with the patient's clinical status, these methods provided a reliable, noninvasive means to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy and the need for further treatment in neonates with Vein of Galen malformations.