Deep within the brain’s network of blood vessels lies the vein of Galen – a vital conduit responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood away from the brain and back to the heart for oxygenation and returning it for circulation. The vein of Galen is positioned at the intersection between the cerebrum and cerebellum. It plays a crucial role in the brain’s blood supply.
Capillaries are a crucial junction between arteries and veins and ease the pressure of the blood flow. Sometimes, during the brain’s development at birth, some capillaries go missing. In the absence of capillaries, blood gushes from the arteries into the vein of Galen.
As a result, oxygenated blood mixes with deoxygenated blood and is expelled from the brain. The swollen vein impacts the delivery of oxygenated blood to the neighbouring brain tissue. This leads to a rare congenital condition known as the vein of Galen malformation (VOGM). The enlarged junction between the vein and artery increases blood pressure in the brain and eventually affects the heart.
Dr Jitender Saini, a radiologist at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, says, “This particular condition happens in a specific location in the brain. This abnormal communication can lead to excessive work for the heart, causing congestive heart failure.”
The disruption of the delicate blood supply balance in the brain can damage brain tissue.
“When a child is born with VOGM, they are typically brought to us due to congestive heart failure, developmental delay, and an enlarged head size,” says Dr Saini.
He adds that VOGM can be detected early in pregnancy using ultrasound, and a procedure can be done to prevent its occurrence.
The below infographic gives a representation of the condition.
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