Case Report

Vein of Galen arteriovenous malformation with PAPVR and use of serial B-type natriuretic peptide levels in the management: a case report and review of the literature

Isabell B Purdy¹ , Nancy Halnon² , Namrata Singh¹ and Vladana Milisavljevic¹

¹  Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology & Developmental Biology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Room B2-375 MDCC, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA

²  Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA

author email corresponding author email

Cases Journal 2010, 3:43doi:10.1186/1757-1626-3-43

Published:	2 February 2010

Abstract

Background

Arteriovenous malformation of the vein of Galen with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return can lead to a critically challenging condition associated with a high morbidity and mortality.

Case report

We report a case of a full term infant born with a vein of Gallen arteriovenous malformation complicated by partial anomalous pulmonary venous return and congestive heart failure where B-type natriuretic peptide was used as a vital tool in clinical assessment and treatment management.

Conclusions

Rapid diagnosis and treatment in infants with complex conditions such as this are imperative to expedite appropriate treatments, preventing long term negative outcome.