Cavernous Angioma
Also known as: Cavernoma; Cavernous Malformation
What is it?
Cavernous angiomas are a type of vascular
malformation of the brain. Cavernomas consist of a
collection of slow flow vessels under low pressure and
contain no large feeding arteries or large draining
veins. They are prone to small recurrent hemorrhages. A
majority of cavernomas are found in the brain but they
also can be seen in the spinal cord.
Who gets it?
Cavernous angiomas are often sporadic in nature. They
can be hereditary with variable expressivity.
What causes it?
It is not known what causes cavernous angiomas.
What are the symptoms?
Patients with cavernous angiomas are often times
without symptoms. Patients often present with a history
of seizures or progressive neurological deficit
secondary to the small hemorrhages.
How is it diagnosed?
Cavernous angiomas are best seen on specific
sequences on brain MRI studies. CAT scans can
demonstrate these lesions if there is a predominance of
calcification. Cavernomas are known as angiographically
occult vascular malformations and are not seen on
diagnostic cerebral angiography.
What is the treatment?
Cavernous angiomas can be treated by two options.
Microsurgery is the treatment of choice for lesions that
are symptomatic and accessible. Removal of these
cavernous angiomas at surgery eliminates the risk of
bleeding. In the case of epilepsy, surgery may cure or
at least reduce the severity of seizures. Since
cavernous angiomas are not visible on an angiogram,
endovascular embolization is not possible. Stereotactic
radiosurgery may have a role in the treatment of some
deep or inaccessible lesions
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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