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In Utero Embolization Cuts Mortality by Half in High-Risk Fetal Vein of Galen Malformation

Early results suggest in utero embolization improves survival in high-risk VOGM cases at the cost of increased rates of preterm births, unscheduled deliveries

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Overview

  • A Boston Children’s Hospital team completed five of seven planned fetal embolization procedures for Vein of Galen malformation in a JAMA-reported trial cohort.
  • Observed mortality fell from an expected 90% under standard postnatal care to 43% following the in utero intervention.
  • Three of the five successfully treated infants survived past the neonatal period and are reported to be thriving without early neurodevelopmental delays.
  • Investigators recorded unscheduled deliveries in five cases, including three preterm births occurring a mean of three days after embolization.
  • Researchers emphasize feasibility but call for a larger trial to assess long-term safety, balance survival benefits against delivery risks, and confirm neurodevelopmental outcomes.