Pial arteriovenous fistula associated with vein of Galen dilatation in adult: A case report and MRI findings

Pial arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare intracranial vascular lesion where direct communication exists between one or more pial arteries and a cerebral vein, without an intervening nidus and located in the subpial meningeal space. When the drainage of PAVF involves a dilated, but already formed vein of Galen (VOG), it should be distinguished from other vascular lesions located in this area, because their angio-architecture, natural history and treatment options are different. A 33-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with a history of new-onset generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Clinical examination showed no neurological deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) depicted an arteriovenous fistula that was fed by the pial branches from left posterior cerebral artery and drained into the medial atrial vein before joining the VOG confluence and causing VOG dilatation. No nidus between the feeding arteries and draining vein, dural feeding arteries, or anatomical variations commonly seen with true vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VOGM) were found. These finding suggested a diagnosis of a PAVF associated with vein of Galen dilatation, which was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography. The patient was treated with transarterial glue embolization in 1 section, resulting in nearly complete occlusion of the fistula. Conventional MRI and MRA are noninvasive modalities that can provide valuable information regarding the anatomic localization of the fistula point, the feeding arteries, the venous sac, and their relationship with surrounding structures. These techniques are helpful for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.