Prenatal diagnosis of a vein of Galen aneurysm

We present the prenatal diagnosis of a vein of Galen aneurysm in a 34-week fetus. The aneurysm was 8 x 3.5 x 3 cm in dimension, and located posterior to the third ventricle. Color flow examination revealed a turbulent flow in the, lesion. There was significant cardiomegaly. Prenatal ultra-fast magnetic resonance imaging was used to view the malformation in three dimensions. Although the pregnancy continued uneventfully, the fetus died of congestive heart failure on the 3rd day postpartum. The value of antenatal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging in the prediction of prognosis is discussed. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.