Use of greyscale and Doppler ultrasound in initial evaluation and follow-up of neurovascular malformations in children

Abstract

Pediatric intracranial arteriovenous shunts are rare vascular malformations that can be diagnosed prenatally or postnatally, as an incidental finding or due to complications. We propose a review of cerebral vascular malformations in newborns and infants with special emphasis on neurosonography and Doppler ultrasound as the first diagnostic method. Sonography can thus contribute in the planning of further studies that are always necessary, and in post-therapy follow-up.

Keywords: Cerebral vascular malformations; Dural sinus malformation; Neurosonography; Pediatrics; Pial fistula; Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations.