Colour Doppler imaging of arteriovenous malformation of the vein of Galen in a newborn.

We report a neonate with congestive heart failure due to a huge arteriovenous malformation of the vein of Galen. Two dimensional ultrasound showed a large cystic structure behind the 3rd ventricle and the quadrigeminal plate. The cyst compressed the posterior part of the 3rd ventricle and the aqueduct and caused an obstructive hydrocephalus. The diagnosis was established by colour Doppler imaging (CDI). With the help of CDI, flow within the aneurysm could be shown as well as feeding arteries originating from the posterior and middle cerebral arteries. The straight sinus and the torcular Herophili were markedly dilated.