Cerebral venous development in relation to developmental venous anomalies and vein of galen aneurysmal malformations

Cerebrovascular venous development and intracranial vascular malformations are extensive topics for which volumes of text may be devoted. However, a basic knowledge of the embryology of cerebral venous system and venous architecture is essential for understanding of cerebral vascular malformations. The aim of this work is to provide the reader with a brief overview of the development of the cranial venous anatomy. We will highlight the superficial and deep venous systems with special attention to developmental venous anomalies and vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations.