In neonatal vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation echocardiography remains the mainstay for early detection and explains various haemodynamic changes occurring due to a large systemic arterio-venous shunt. However, there is limited evidence of echocardiography in risk stratifying neonatal vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation. The objective of this study was to identify echocardiographic parameters that could be associated with major outcomes and guide timing of neuro-intervention.

In this retrospective chart review, infants < 28 days of age with the diagnosis of vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation were included. Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic parameters were compared in neonates who survived or died with neonatal presentation. A risk algorithm model based on key echocardiographic parameters was developed to determine those who are at risk of early death.

Of the 19 neonates included, with median birth weight 3.1 kg (IQR 2.58–3.36), nine (47%) neonates died at median age of 5 days (IQR 4–17). All neonates showed retrograde diastolic flow at the level of descending aorta by colour Doppler on the first post-natal echocardiogram at median age of 2 days (IQR 1–5.5). An aortic antegrade-to-retrograde velocity time integral ratio of < 1.5 and supra-systemic pulmonary artery pressure had 100% positive predictive value of death (p = 0.029), whereas aortic antegrade-to-retrograde velocity time integral ratio of > 1.5 and sub-systemic pulmonary artery pressure had 100% positive predictive value of survival (p = 0.029).

Combination of aorta antegrade-to-retrograde velocity time integral ratio and degree of pulmonary hypertension on the first post-natal echocardiogram may help stratify the severity of disease and guide optimal timing for neuro-intervention for neonatal vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation.