REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DEVELOPMENTAL VENOUS ANOMALIES WITH ANGIOGRAPHICALLY OCCULT VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS

This study reviews the neuroradiological findings of 43 patients with a developmental venous anomaly in order to discuss the clinical signif icance of this entity. All patients underwent unenhanced and contrast- enhanced computer tomography and magnetic resonance tomography, as wel l as selective angiography and were followed for at least 2 years. In 40% (17 of 43) of patients a cryptic vascular malformation was found i n the proximity to the developmental venous anomaly. Neurological symp toms were present in 8 of 17 patients (47%) in this group. Patients wi th an isolated developmental venous anomaly had symptoms in 19% (5 of 26), but none of them had experienced a hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance the most sensitive method for the diagnosis both type of lesions and alterations of the adjacent parenchyma. These results further support that developmental venous anomalies represent a clinically benign enti ty. However, patients with an association of developmental venous anom aly and a cryptic vascular malformation are at risk for hemorrhage fro m their angiographically Occult vascular malformation. Magnetic resona nce proved to be the imaging modality of choice for both entities and is appropriate for diagnosis and follow-up.