Lasjaunias classification of vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations

Last revised by Juliette Hancox on 1 Jun 2018

The Lasjaunias classification, at the time of writing (mid 2016), is one of the two commonly used systems for classifying vein of Galen malformations. It relies on dividing the entity into choroidal or mural types, depending on the number and origin of feeding arteries. 

Classification

  • choroidal type
    • multiple feeders including thalamoperforating, choroidal and pericallosal arteries are located in the subarachnoid space in the choroidal fissure
    • converge on a fistula site at the anterior aspect of the median prosencephalic vein (MPV)
    • tend to present earlier (neonate) with more severe shunts
    • this type of VGAM results in high output cardiac failure because of multiple high flow fistulas with less outflow restriction
  • mural type
    • fistulae in the subarachnoid space in the wall of the median prosencephalic vein
    • supply may be unilateral or bilateral
    • associated with absence or stenosis of dural sinuses
    • associated with stenosis at the level of the jugular foramen
    • present later (infant) and typically with hydrocephalus
    • this type of VGAM presents with fewer fistulas with high outflow restriction

See also

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