Case
About this case
Operative video: Cavernous Malformation. The background notes below summarise the anatomy, pathology and approach, with published references.
Reference notes
Background
Notes on this case’s cranial location, pathology and surgical approach, with published sources. General education only, not advice for any individual patient.
Pathology
Cavernous Malformation
Cavernous malformations (cavernomas) are angiographically occult clusters of thin-walled sinusoids with a characteristic “popcorn” appearance and hemosiderin rim on MRI. They cause seizures or focal deficits from recurrent small haemorrhages, with higher rebleed rates in the brainstem and deep locations.
Resection is considered for accessible symptomatic lesions, entering through a safe corridor and removing the lesion, with its hemosiderin-stained margin addressed as the clinical situation dictates.
References
- Horne MA, Flemming KD, Su IC, et al. Clinical course of untreated cerebral cavernous malformations: a meta-analysis of individual patient data. Lancet Neurol. 2016;15(2):166-173.
- Akers A, Al-Shahi Salman R, Awad IA, et al. Synopsis of guidelines for the clinical management of cerebral cavernous malformations. Neurosurgery. 2017;80(5):665-680.
