Transvenous embolization of vein of galen aneurysmal malformations with coils as a final procedure for cure: A single-institution experience of 18 years

Stavros Matsoukas, Tomoyoshi Shigematsu, Maximilian J. Bazil, Johanna Fifi, Alejandro Berenstein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Staged, transarterial embolization (TAE) is currently considered the gold standard for the treatment of vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM); however, as transarterial access becomes restricted, further staged TAE may become ineffective or carry an increased risk of hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke when attempting complete obliteration. Objective: To describe the first consecutive, retrospective series of VGAM treated with transvenous embolization (TVE) with coils alone, as the final treatment in staged endovascular therapy, at a single institution between January 2004 and September 2021. Results: A total of 10 patients with a median age of 5.5 (IQR: 9.25) years were treated with coiling TVE. Patients were treated with a median number of 5 (IQR: 2.75) TAEs prior to the final TVE treatment. Complete or near-complete immediate angiographic obliteration was achieved in eight patients. Immediate post-procedural (within 48 h) hemorrhagic complications were noted in two patients (20%), one of whom passed away while the second suffered from hemiparesis. Stereotactic radiosurgery was performed in two patients with incomplete obliteration after TVE. The median follow-up time after TVE was 17 (IQR: 9) months. At long-term follow up (17 months) for the remaining nine patients, all VGAMs were completely obliterated. Long-term clinical deterioration compared to pre-TVE was noticed in one case. Conclusion: Transvenous coil embolization is a technically feasible but risky option, as a final-stage treatment for cure of VGAMs with restricted trans-arterial access. Although TVE with coils remains an effective therapeutic modality, we recommend continuing investigation of safer TVE techniques to achieve cure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)463-469
Number of pages7
JournalInterventional Neuroradiology
Volume30
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2024

Keywords

  • coil embolization
  • transarterial embolization
  • transvenous embolization
  • vein of galen aneurysmal malformations

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