Rare basal vein fistula with dilated vein of Galen.

The authors present a rare case of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of the basal vein of Rosenthal draining into a dilated vein of Galen managed by transarterial endovascular embolization. A male infant born at full term following a normal pregnancy and delivery with congestive heart failure, on investigation with MR imaging and MR angiography was found to have a basal vein of Rosenthal fistula with a dilated vein of Galen. His congestive heart failure was treated medically, and the AVF was managed electively at 10 months of age with successful transarterial endovascular embolization. The authors discuss the embryological aspects related to the pathological entity and the various clinical presentations, investigations, and management options. Management is primarily endovascular embolization; microsurgery is performed for a few selected cases, and radiosurgery has a limited role in older patients. Endovascular embolization is a safe and effective way to manage this malformation, with an excellent outcome if the AVF is eliminated by proper embolization at the fistulous point.