The acronym, VGAM stands for Vein of Galen malformation which is a congenital vascualr malformation of the brain. This is an unique type of AVM because the capillaries that normally slow down blood flow is absent resulting in no exchange of oxygen and nutrients to the surrounding tissues in the brain. Blood is immediately rushed and deposited from the cerebral arteries and into the vein of Galen. This increase of blood is almost immediatly circulated into the heart resulting in congested heart failure. Occasionally the defect can be detected with an ultrasound before birth but is usually diagnosed in infants that are experiencing rapid heart failure. In less severe cases, a child may develope hydrocephalas because of the enlarged malformation that blocks the the usual flow and aborption of CSF. Associated findings include ischemic changes such as a stroke and muscle weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis). VGAM is prodominately found in the neonatal period or later in early childhood. Both boys and girls are affected equally and occurs in all races.
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