[Cardiac and cerebral involvement in aneurysms of the ampulla of Galen. Contribution of echography and cerebral Doppler flowmeter in the neonatal period].

An arteriovenous malformation of the vein of Galen was diagnosed using two-dimensional ultrasound and pulsed Doppler method, in a neonate with congestive heart failure. Contrast echocardiography showed right to left atrial and ductal shunting. Sector scans of the brain revealed an echo free intracranial mass with venous flow at the Doppler. Doppler assessment of the main cerebral arteries was also performed. In neonates presenting with severe congestive heart failure of unknown etiology, two-dimensional ultrasonography provides an accurate and rapid diagnosis of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation with aneurysm of the vein of Galen. Ultrasound method may also contribute to improve the comprehension of the physiopathology underlying the clinical findings.