Classification and endovascular management of pediatric cerebral vascular malformations.

Pediatric vascular malformations of the central nervous system differ from those seen in adults. Their classification may be based on symptoms, pathomechanics, patient's age, morphologic features, or presumed etiology. This review describes the different classification schemes and the endovascular management options of these rare and challenging diseases. The proposed etiologic classification of pediatric vascular malformations may add to our understanding of these diseases in general because the phenotypic expression of a given vascular malformation can shed light on the nature and timing of the causative agent, thereby potentially opening up treatment modalities in the future that are directed against the triggering event rather than against the clinical manifestations or the morphologic appearance. With current endovascular methods, most vascular diseases can be approached safely and with good clinical results. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.