Recurrent Intraventricular Hemorrhages Caused by an AVM Detected by Angiography with Initially Normal Angiogram

Abstract

Primary intraventricular haemorrhage (PIVH) is an uncommon type of non-traumatic cerebral haemorrhage limited to the ventricular system arising in adults and children, with diverse aetiology and variable course. Vascular malformations account for 34% of PIVH, whereas no cause is found in 21–47%. When a primary intraventricular haemorrhage is detected in a young patient an underlying lesion such as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) must be ruled out. The diagnosis may be suspected when there is sudden onset of headache, nausea and vomiting with or without a reduced level of consciousness. Nevertheless, even if clinical features suggest the diagnosis of PIVH, cerebral computed tomography (CT) scan is required for confirmation, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and catheter angiography are necessary to establish the aetiology. We describe a case of isolated recurrent intraventricular haemorrhages caused by AVM detected by diagnostic intracranial angiography with no abnormality demonstrated on angiography four years earlier.