Vascular malformations are structural abnormalities that are thought to result from errors in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis during embryogenesis. Vascular malformations of the scalp present unique management challenges due to aesthetic and functional implications. This review examines the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management techniques for six common types of vascular malformations of the face and scalp : infantile hemangioma, capillary malformations, venous malformations, lymphatic malformations, arteriovenous malformations, and arteriovenous fistulas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a well-established treatment modality for large vessel occlusion (LVO) in adults, but there are limited data in the pediatric population. The rarity of the condition makes prospective trial design difficult, and therefore evaluation of MT devices and outcomes is sparse. In pediatric LVO cases, some newer devices may be appropriate for use in revascularization procedures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPediatric intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are challenging lesions managed by pediatric neurosurgeons. The high risk of hemorrhage and neurologic injury is compounded by the unique anatomy of each malformation that requires individualizing treatment options. This article reviews the current status of pediatric AVM epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical care, with a specific focus on the rationale and methodology of surgical resection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTo elucidate the pathogenesis of vein of Galen malformations (VOGMs), the most common and most severe of congenital brain arteriovenous malformations, we performed an integrated analysis of 310 VOGM proband-family exomes and 336,326 human cerebrovasculature single-cell transcriptomes. We found the Ras suppressor p120 RasGAP (RASA1) harbored a genome-wide significant burden of loss-of-function de novo variants (2042.5-fold, p = 4.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe small, ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is a post-translational modifier with a profound influence on several key biological processes, including the mammalian stress response. Of particular interest are its neuroprotective effects, first recognized in the 13-lined ground squirrel (), in the context of hibernation torpor. Although the full scope of the SUMO pathway is yet to be elucidated, observations of its importance in managing neuronal responses to ischemia, maintaining ion gradients, and the preconditioning of neural stem cells make it a promising therapeutic target for acute cerebral ischemia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Although endovascular techniques have improved outcomes in vein of Galen malformations (VOGM), there is still a high rate of morbidity and mortality, particularly among cases with decompensation in the neonatal period. The dimension of the draining venous sinus on fetal imaging correlates with the risk of neonatal decompensation. In fetuses within this high-risk group who do not have end-organ injury, there is a theoretical therapeutic opportunity to reduce the arteriovenous shunt before the normal physiological changes of birth precipitate decompensation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe literature has long attempted distinct classifications of arteriovenous fistulae and arteriovenous malformations of the spine.1-3 It is worth noting that lesions can become more complex during recurrence and may not adhere to traditional definitions. In these cases, recognizing the principles of pathology and pathophysiology can guide management and treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between noninfectious fever onset and radiographic vasospasm, delayed ischemic neurologic deficit (DIND), delayed cerebral infarction (DCI), and clinical outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Methods: We evaluated 44 patients for the association between noninfectious fever (greater than 101.5°F) and the development of radiographic vasospasm by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and transcranial Doppler (TCD), DIND, DCI, and modified Rankin scale outcome score at 6 months to 2 years.