Evaluation of adherence to the Preferred Reporting of CasE Series in Surgery (PROCESS) 2020 guideline in case series describing endovascular management of vein of Galen malformation demonstrates suboptimal reporting practices.

BACKGROUND

Interventional neuroradiology is a dynamic field with technological advancements constantly driving evolution in clinical practice. Case series provide interventional neuroradiologists the opportunity to describe the clinical implications of novel equipment and techniques almost in real-time, informing broader adoption and directing future research. Complete reporting in case series is vital in enabling readers to detect bias, determine the generalizability of results and replicate study methodology. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of reporting in case series describing endovascular management of vein of Galen malformations.

METHODS

A systematic search for case series describing endovascular management of vein of Galen malformations in paediatric patients was conducted using a previously published search strategy in Medline, Embase and Web of Science in February 2024. Screening and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers with disagreements resolved by consensus discussion. Quality of reporting was assessed using adherence to the Preferred Reporting of CasE Series in Surgery (PROCESS) 2020 checklist.

RESULTS

We included 19 case series representing a broad range of approaches and endovascular techniques for management of vein of Galen malformations. Overall adherence to the PROCESS 2020 guideline was moderate with a mean of 7.0/13 (54%; range 5.2 - 9.7/13; SD 1.1) items reported. The most consistently reported items related to characteristics of the clinical cohort and details regarding the specific image-guided intervention(s) provided. Items relating to study design, source of funding, pre-intervention patient optimisation, clinical follow-up and potential complications and alternatives for novel techniques/devices were less frequently reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of reporting in case series describing endovascular management of vein of Galen malformation is suboptimal. Measures to improve the quality of reporting in neurointerventional case series include mandating adherence to reporting guidelines in journal instructions for authors and requiring submission of completed copies of relevant reporting guidelines alongside manuscripts.