Giant arteriovenous fistula of the vein of Galen in early infancy treated successfully with surgery. Case report.

A giant arteriovenous fistula in a newborn infant was treated by surgical occlusion of the feeding vessels at 20 days of life. Congestive heart failure responded favorably to operative treatment. Because of persistent hydrocephalus, a shunt was inserted at 2 months of age. At 9 months of age, the child remained without signs of cardiac failure. Cerebral damage was manifested by a mild left hemiparesis. Successful surgical treatment of this unusual lesion in a neonate is exceptional.