Vein of Galen malformation with cerebral calcification: a reversible cause of neurodegenerative disease.

This paper reports two children who had mental retardation as the predominant manifestation of vein of Galen malformations. C.T. scans demonstrated extensive intracerebral calcification. Surgery reversed the progressive downhill course in one patient and may have arrested further deterioration in the other. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the clinical and radiographic features are discussed.