Retrograde flow in the distal aortic arch and proximal descending aorta—a clue to presence of a major cerebral arteriovenous malformation

Abstract

SummaryTwo neonates are described presenting in severe cardiac failure within a few hours of birth. Echocardiography and the demonstration by color-coded Doppler of retrograde diastolic flow in the proximal descending aorta suggested the presence of large cerebral arteriovenous malformations. Such lesions were demonstrated by cranial ultrasound. The early diagnosis permitted early intervention, albeit with less than satisfactory outcome.