Deep seated giant arteriovenous malformations in infancy.

Two patients with arteriovenous malformations draining into the deep venous system of the brain are presented. Both were diagnosed in infancy. One of the patients required a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt to control his obstructive hydrocephalus. Six months later, the AVM was surgically attacked in an attempt to control the progressive heart failure. The other, treated without a shunt, required digitalis to control the progressive heart failure. The clinical presentation and the characteristics of arteriovenous malformations of the vein of Galen and treatment are discussed.