Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation Presenting As Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in a Newborn: A Case Report

TL;DR

A newborn with a rare brain blood vessel condition was misdiagnosed with lung-related high blood pressure before passing away from heart failure.

Contribution

This case report highlights VOGM as a rare but critical cause of PPHN in infants.

Findings

VOGM can present as PPHN in newborns, leading to delayed diagnosis.

The patient died from high cardiac output heart failure due to untreated VOGM.

Early recognition of VOGM is crucial for timely intervention in infants with PPHN.

Abstract

We present a case of a newborn infant with a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VOGM) who was admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with the diagnosis of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Further work-up at our institution, which included an echocardiogram and cranial ultrasound revealed VOGM. The patient was transferred to a children’s center for further management of the vascular malformation where the patient subsequently died from high cardiac output heart failure. This study highlights the importance of considering a VOGM as a rare cause of PPHN in an infant.

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