Regional association of developmental venous anomalies with angiographically occult vascular malformations

Abstract

This study reviews the neuroradiological findings of 43 patients with a developmental venous anomaly In in order to the clinical significance of this entity. All patients underwent unenhanced and contrast-enhanced computer tomography and magnetic resonance tomography, as well as selective angiography, and were followed for at least 2 years In 40% (17 of 43) of patients a cryptic vascular malformation found In the proximity to the developmentmental venous anomaly. Neurolo gical symptoms were present in 8 of 17 patients (47%) in this group. Patients with an isolated developmental venous anomaly had symptoms in 19% (5 of 26), but none of them had experienced a hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance was the most sensitive method for the diagnose of both types of lesions and alterations of the adjacent parenchyma. These results further support that developmental venous anomalies represent a clinically benign entity. However, patient, with an sociation of a developmental venous anomaly and a cryptic vascular malformation are at risk for hemorage from their angiographically occult vascular malformation. Magnetic resonance proved to be the imaging modality of choice for both entities and is appropriate for diagnosis and follow-up.