Work

Vein of Galen malformation in newborns and children: contemporary advances and future directions

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Background: Vein of Galen malformation is a rare and complex cerebrovascular disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality from the fetal period through childhood. Advances in perinatal care, neuroimaging, endovascular therapy, and multidisciplinary management have improved survival and expanded therapeutic options, while generating new challenges in clinical strategies and long-term outcomes. Objective: This review integrates evidence and expert perspectives presented during the II International Meeting on Vein of Galen Malformation in Newborns and Children, held in Camogli, Italy, in October 2025 and summarizes current advances, emerging developments, and priorities for research and clinical innovation. Recent advances: Current developments include improved fetal and neonatal imaging, emerging prognostic biomarkers, fetal intervention, advances in endovascular treatment, and increasing understanding of underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms. Contemporary management increasingly integrates cardiovascular and neurological assessment, advanced neuroimaging, individualized endovascular strategies, and structured long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up. The development of a disease-specific registry reflects the growing impact of international collaboration. Future directions: Major priorities include validation of risk-stratification tools, development of standardized imaging and neurodevelopmental biomarkers, refinement of fetal and neonatal interventions, improved understanding of disease biology, and multicenter data sharing. Family-centered care and standardized long-term outcome assessment should remain integral components of future VOGM research and clinical practice. Conclusions: VOGM management is rapidly evolving from survival-focused treatment toward individualized, multidisciplinary care extending from fetal diagnosis through childhood and adulthood. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and emerging developments in this field, while defining a multidisciplinary, internationally informed roadmap for future research.

Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.3389/fped.2026.1996440

Authors: Silvia Buratti, Andrea Rossi, Darren B. Orbach

Institutions: Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Vascular Malformations Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Clinical Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801