Giant arteriovenous malformations of infancy and childhood

Twelve patients are presented with giant arteriovenous malformations of the brain requiring therapy in the neonatal or infant period. Eight patients were operated on, and 6 survived with no neurological deficit. Four patients were not operated on and all died. The diagnostic clinical triad of enlarged head, cranial bruit, and cardiac failure or enlargement is described, and angiographic characteristics and surgical therapy discussed.