The growth of cerebral cavernous angiomas

Brain cavernous hemangioma mimicking radiation-induced necrosis in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer

In patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is one of the standard therapies for those suffering with intracranial metastatic NSCLC. Radiation‐induced necrosis (RIN) sometimes occurs as the result of the delayed effects of SRT. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of RIN typically shows hypointense and hyperintense lesions on T1‐ and T2‐weighted images, respectively. We herein report a patient with a growing brain cystic lesion mimicking RIN adjacent to a post‐radiation brain metastasis from NSCLC harboring anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement. The patient underwent surgical resection of the brain tumor because of the symptoms. The pathological diagnosis was cavernous hemangioma, and the pathological findings were an encapsulated nodular mass composed of dilated, cavernous vascular spaces with no residual tumor or recurrence. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility for the development of a brain cavernous hemangioma following SRT in NSCLC patients.

Association between trauma and acute hemorrhage of cavernous malformations in children: report of 3 cases

OBJECTIVE Cavernous hemangiomas are benign congenital vascular abnormalities. Intracerebral cavernous hemangiomas have an appreciable risk of spontaneous hemorrhage. Little is known as to whether head trauma increases the risk of bleeding for these lesions. In this study, the authors present a case series of 3 patients with posttraumatic nonspontaneous hemorrhage of intracerebral cavernous malformations (CMs). For the first time, to the authors' knowledge, they propose that trauma might constitute a risk factor for acute hemorrhage in intracerebral cavernomas. METHODS The authors reviewed the charts of all patients with a new diagnosis of intracerebral cavernoma at their pediatric hospital between 2010 and 2014. Patients with a history of head trauma prior to presentation were subsequently studied to identify features common to these posttraumatic, hemorrhage-prone lesions. RESULTS A history of head trauma was identified in 3 of 19 cases. These 3 patients presented with seizures and/or headaches and were found to have acute hemorrhage within a cavernous hemangioma. None of these patients had any history of abnormal neurological symptoms. All 3 abnormal vascular lesions had associated developmental venous anomalies (DVAs). The 3 patients underwent resection of their respective vascular abnormalities, and the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma was confirmed with postsurgical tissue pathology. All 3 patients had complete resolution of symptoms following complete excision of their lesions. CONCLUSIONS Trauma may represent a risk factor for acute hemorrhage in patients with CMs. The presence of associated DVAs may represent a risk factor for posttraumatic hemorrhage of cavernomas. Excision should be considered in such cases, if feasible.

De novo formation of cerebral cavernous malformation adjacent to existing developmental venous anomaly - an effect of change in venous pressure associated with management of a complex dural arterio-venous fistula

This is a case report of de novo development of two cerebral cavernous malformations adjacent to existing developmental venous anomalies. The development of cavernomas was noted over a follow-up period of 10 years. These developments happened during the course of staged endovascular management of a complex dural arterio-venous fistula along the right sphenoid wing. The patient presented with a proptosis secondary to lympho-haemangiomatous lesion of the fronto-orbital region and a high-flow right sphenoid wing dural arterio-venous fistula. During the initial period of conservative management of the dural arterio-venous fistula, he developed de novo cavernous malformations in the left mesial temporal lobe adjacent to a developmental venous anomaly in the temporal lobe, and along with this there was engorgement of deep veins related to another existing developmental venous anomaly in the brainstem. Later during the course of endovascular treatment of the dural arterio-venous fistula, a large brainstem cavernoma developed adjacent to the brainstem developmental venous anomaly. This case report discusses the cause-effect relationship of venous pressure changes related to management of dural arterio-venous fistula and de novo formation of cerebral cavernous malformations adjacent to existing developmental venous anomalies.

Transulcal parafascicular minimally invasive approach to deep and subcortical cavernomas: technical note

Cavernomas comprise 8%-15% of intracranial vascular lesions, usually supratentorial in location and superficial. Cavernomas in the thalamus or subcortical white matter represent a unique challenge for surgeons in trying to identify and then use a safe corridor to access and resect the pathology. Previous authors have described specific open microsurgical corridors based on pathology location, often with technical difficulty and morbidity. This series presents 2 cavernomas that were resected using a minimally invasive approach that is less technically demanding and has a good safety profile. The authors report 2 cases of cavernoma: one in the thalamus and brainstem with multiple hemorrhages and the other in eloquent subcortical white matter. These lesions were resected through a transulcal parafascicular approach with a port-based minimally invasive technique. In this series there was complete resection with no neurological complications. The transulcal parafascicular minimally invasive approach relies on image interpretation and trajectory planning, intraoperative navigation, cortical cannulation and subcortical space access, high-quality optics, and resection as key elements to minimize exposure and retraction and maximize tissue preservation. The authors applied this technique to 2 patients with cavernomas in eloquent locations with excellent outcomes.

Microsurgical treatment and outcome of pediatric supratentorial cerebral cavernous malformation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of pediatric cavernous malformation (CM) in the central nervous system.

METHODS

Twenty-nine pediatric patients with supratentorial CM underwent microsurgical excision. In selected cases, transparent tubular retractor system (TTRS) was used to reduce retraction injury and intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) was held to preserve functioning cortex. Patients' demographics and symptoms were reviewed and surgical outcomes were discussed.

RESULTS

THE MAIN INITIAL CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING : seizures (n=13, 45%), headache (n=7, 24%), focal neurological deficits (n=3, 10%), and an incidental finding (n=6, 21%). Overt hemorrhage was detected in 7 patients (24%). There were 19 children (66%) with a single CM and 10 (34%) children with multiple CMs. In 7 cases with deep-seated CM, we used a TTRS to minimize retraction. In 9 cases which location of CM was at eloquent area, IONM was taken during surgery. There was no major morbidity or mortality after surgery. In the 29 operated children, the overall long-term results were satisfactory : 25 (86%) patients had no signs or symptoms associated with CMs, 3 had controllable seizures, and 1 had mild weakness.

CONCLUSION

With the assistance of neuronavigation systems, intraoperative neuromonitoring, and TTRS, CMs could be targeted more accurately and excised more safely. Based on the satisfactory seizure outcome achieved, complete microsurgical excision in children is recommended for CMs presenting with seizures but removal of hemosiderin-stained areas seems to be unnecessary.

Co-occurrence of a cerebral cavernous malformation and an orbital cavernous hemangioma in a patient with seizures and visual symptoms: Rare crossroads for vascular malformations

Background:

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are angiographically occult vascular malformations of the central nervous system. As a result of hemorrhage and mass effect, patients may present with focal neurologic deficits, seizures, and other symptoms necessitating treatment. Once symptomatic, most often from hemorrhage, CCMs are treated with microsurgical resection. Orbital cavernous hemangiomas (OCHs) are similar but distinct vascular malformations that present within the orbital cavity. Even though CCMs and OCHs are both marked by dilated endothelial-lined vascular channels, they are infrequently seen in the same patient.

Case Description:

We provide a brief overview of the two related pathologies in the context of a patient presenting to our care with concomitant lesions, which were both resected in full without complication.

Conclusion:

This is the first known report that describes a case of concomitant CCM and OCH and explores the origins of two pathologies that are rarely encountered together in neurosurgical practice. Recognition of disparate symptomatologies is important for properly managing these patients.

Surgical management of cavernous malformations presenting with drug-resistant epilepsy

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CMs) are dynamic lesions characterized by continuous size changes and repeated bleeding. When involving cortical tissue, CMs pose a significant risk for the development of drug-resistant epilepsy, which is thought to be result of an altered neuronal network caused by the lesion itself and its blood degradation products. Preoperative evaluation should comprise a complete seizure history, neurological examination, epilepsy-oriented MRI, EEG, video-EEG, completed with SPECT, PET, functional MRI, and/or invasive monitoring as needed. Radiosurgery shows variable rates of seizure freedom and a high incidence of complications, thus microsurgical resection remains the optimal treatment for CMs presenting with drug-resistant epilepsy. Two thirds of patients reach Engel I class at 3-year follow-up, regardless of lobar location. Those with secondarily generalized seizures, a higher seizure frequency, and generalized abnormalities on preoperative or postoperative EEG, show poorer outcomes, while factors such as gender, duration of epilepsy, lesion size, age, bleeding at the time of surgery, do not correlate consistently with seizure outcome. Electrocorticography and a meticulous removal of all cortical hemosiderin - beyond pure lesionectomy - reduce the risk of symptomatic recurrences.

Surgical management of brainstem cavernous malformations

Bleeding from brainstem cavernomas may cause severe deficits due to the absence of non-eloquent nervous tissue and the presence of several ascending and descending white matter tracts and nerve nuclei. Surgical removal of these lesions presents a challenge to the most surgeons. The authors present their experience with the surgical treatment of 43 patients with brainstem cavernomas. Important aspects of microsurgical anatomy are reviewed. The surgical management, with special focus on new intraoperative technologies as well as controversies on indications and timing of surgery are presented. According to several published studies the outcome of brainstem cavernomas treated conservatively is poor. In our experience, surgical resection remains the treatment of choice if there was previous hemorrhage and the lesion reaches the surface of brainstem. These procedures should be performed by experienced neurosurgeons in referral centers employing all the currently available technology.

Update on the natural history of cavernous malformations and factors predicting aggressive clinical presentation

Cavernous malformations (CMs) are angiographically occult, low-pressure neurovascular lesions with distinct imaging and clinical characteristics. They present with seizure, neurological compromise due to lesion hemorrhage or expansion, or as incidental findings on neuroimaging studies. Treatment options include conservative therapy, medical management of seizures, surgical intervention for lesion resection, and in select cases stereotactic radiosurgery. Optimal management requires a thorough understanding of the natural history of CMs including consideration of issues such as mode of presentation, lesion location, and genetics that may impact the associated neurological risk. Over the past 2 decades, multiple studies have been published, shedding valuable light on the clinical characteristics and natural history of these malformations. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with a concise consolidation of this published material such that they may better understand the risks associated with CMs and their implications on patient treatment.

Familial versus sporadic cavernous malformations: differences in developmental venous anomaly association and lesion phenotype

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

CCMs are commonly associated with DVAs, but the incidence of association in familial CCM is unknown. The presence of a DVA significantly complicates surgical management of a CCM because of the risk of compromised venous drainage. In this investigation, we compared the incidence of a DVA in the presence of a CCM in sporadic and familial CCM cases comprising predominantly familial CCM with the Southwestern US common Hispanic mutation (or Q455X mutation) of CCM1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review was performed of 112 patients identified with CCM. MR imaging review included the presence or absence of a DVA and number, location, size, and signal-intensity characteristics of CCMs. Record review included patient and family history and documented genetic mutations. Statistical analysis was performed by using the Fisher exact and 2-sample t tests.

RESULTS

Eighty-one cases were familial, 18 were sporadic, and 13 were indeterminate. There were a total of 2212 CCMs: 2176, 21, and 15 in the familial, sporadic, and indeterminate groups, respectively. There was a close association of CCM and DVA (an apparent combined vascular lesion) in 8 of 18 (44%) sporadic cases and only 1 possible such association in the familial cases. The difference was highly statistically significant (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Familial CCMs are unlikely to be associated with DVAs, and sporadic CCMs have a high rate of association with DVA. This difference in imaging features of familial and sporadic CCMs suggests the possibility of a different developmental mechanism.

Orbital cavernous hemangioma in an infant with intracranial lesions: a case report

Introduction

Cavernous hemangiomas of the orbit are benign vascular malformations, commonly encountered in adults. Although they are infrequent in pediatric population their diagnosis and course are of a great significance, mainly because they can cause visual disturbances such as amblyopia that can ensue, and secondarily due to their cosmetic and psychological effect. Special attention is required in follow up and treatment. Additionally, a systemic evaluation is necessary in order to discover asymptomatic lesions elsewhere in the body carrying a risk of complications.

Case presentation

The authors describe the clinical course, diagnosis, therapeutic approach and prognosis of an infant with an orbital cavernous hemangioma accompanying intracranial lesions. A female infant 18 months of age, presented with a mass in the left upper eyelid, causing blepharoptosis. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and angiography of the brain and the orbits showed a hemangioma of the left upper eyelid and intracranial lesions to the left temporal fossa and the pons. At the age of 2 years and 8 months she was admitted again due to severe eyelid swelling, intense strong pain, exophthalmos and collateral ophthalmoplegia. Two operations were performed to remove the orbit mass. Histological examination, showed characteristics of cavernous hemangioma.

Conclusion

The atypical presentation of cavernous orbital hemangioma with early infantile onset, merits attention.

Orbital cavernous hemangioma in an infant with intracranial lesions: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Cavernous hemangiomas of the orbit are benign vascular malformations, commonly encountered in adults. Although they are infrequent in pediatric population their diagnosis and course are of a great significance, mainly because they can cause visual disturbances such as amblyopia that can ensue, and secondarily due to their cosmetic and psychological effect. Special attention is required in follow up and treatment. Additionally, a systemic evaluation is necessary in order to discover asymptomatic lesions elsewhere in the body carrying a risk of complications.

CASE PRESENTATION

The authors describe the clinical course, diagnosis, therapeutic approach and prognosis of an infant with an orbital cavernous hemangioma accompanying intracranial lesions. A female infant 18 months of age, presented with a mass in the left upper eyelid, causing blepharoptosis. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and angiography of the brain and the orbits showed a hemangioma of the left upper eyelid and intracranial lesions to the left temporal fossa and the pons. At the age of 2 years and 8 months she was admitted again due to severe eyelid swelling, intense strong pain, exophthalmos and collateral ophthalmoplegia. Two operations were performed to remove the orbit mass. Histological examination, showed characteristics of cavernous hemangioma.

CONCLUSION

The atypical presentation of cavernous orbital hemangioma with early infantile onset, merits attention.

Electrocorticography discharge patterns in patients with a cavernous hemangioma and pharmacoresistent epilepsy

OBJECT

Neurodevelopmental lesions (NDLs) such as glioneuronal tumors and cortical dysplasia produce characteristic electrocorticography (ECoG) discharge patterns. Because cavernomas, another congenital abnormality, are also associated with pharmacoresistant epilepsy, the authors wondered whether they exhibit discharge patterns similar to those occurring in NDLs.

METHODS

Intraoperative ECoG recordings from 19 patients with cavernomas and 54 with NDLs were reviewed for continuous spikes, bursts, or recruiting discharges and to determine whether these patterns were spatially coincident with the lesion. Relative densities of microglia and the intensity of Fe3+ staining in surgical samples were evaluated. Seizure outcome was assessed 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean ages at seizure onset and surgery were higher in patients in the cavernoma group than in the NDL group (22.5 and 36.4 years compared with 10.0 and 25.2 years, respectively). Neocortical discharge patterns occurred equally in patients with either cavernomas (53%) or NDLs (41%). In the mesiotemporal area coincident bursts occurred more often in patients with cavernomas than patients with NDLs (55% compared with 10%, respectively). Coincident continuous spiking was associated with a longer duration of epilepsy in patients with cavernomas (23.5 years compared with 11.4 years for those without coincident continuous spiking) and with a lower age at seizure onset in those with NDLs (4.1 years compared with 11.8 years for those without coincident continuous spiking). In the cavernoma group the absence of coincident bursts was associated with high microglia density. There were no associations between the intensity of Fe3+ staining and discharge patterns, although the discharge patterns were associated with a worse outcome in patients with NDLs.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with NDLs, continuous spiking patterns may be markers of a widespread epileptogenic zone due to an early insult to the developing brain; in patients with cavernomas, such patterns may indicate secondary epileptogenesis. Microglia may inhibit discharge patterns in patients with cavernomas.

Clinical progression and familial occurrence of cerebral cavernous angiomas: the role of angiogenic and growth factors

OBJECT

The authors studied the expression of angiogenic and growth factors and various proliferative indices in cavernous angiomas of the brain. The goal was to define whether the often progressive clinical course of both sporadic and familial forms of the lesion is correlated with different expression of these factors.

METHODS

Forty-three cavernomas of the brain were investigated with immunohistochemical studies and stained for four growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], tenascin, transforming growth factor-b [TGFb], and platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF]), and for Ki-67 and bcl-2. The intensity of expression was tested in all cases in the walls of cavernoma vessels, in the perivascular tissue, and in the perilesional brain parenchyma. Among the 43 cavernomas, 32 were stable and sporadic single lesions less than 2 cm in size, whereas 11 were cavernomas larger than 2 cm (up to 6 cm). These larger cavernomas had more aggressive behavior (documented growth in five cases, mass effect in eight, significant hemorrhage in four), familial occurrence (six cases), and/or multiple lesions (five cases). The expression of VEGF, tenascin, and PDGF in cavernomas did not significantly differ in the two groups of patients, whereas TGFb expression was higher in the more aggressive forms of cavernomas. The expression of Ki-67 and bcl-2 was always absent in stable lesions, and it was positive in eight (72.7%) of 11 aggressive lesions. The perilesional brain parenchyma showed a significantly higher expression of TGFb, PDGF, and tenascin in more aggressive cavernomas.

CONCLUSIONS

The familial occurrence and more aggressive clinical behavior of cavernous angiomas of the brain are associated with higher expression of Ki-67 and bcl-2 in the cavernoma tissue, as in other proliferative lesions. These features are also associated with higher expression of some growth factors (excluding VEGF) in the perilesional brain parenchyma, suggesting that the neighboring vasculature and glia may be predisposed to and recruited for further growth and progression.

Biological activity of adult cavernous malformations: a study of 56 patients

OBJECT

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) have previously been considered as congenital and biologically static malformations. On the other hand, the potential for growth and de novo generation of CCMs have also been reported. It is therefore important to study the proliferative and neoangiogenetic capacity of these lesions.

METHODS

The authors studied the surgical specimens of 56 CCMs (23 deep and 33 superficial) obtained from adult patients. The proliferative activity of the endothelium and the neoangiogenetic capacity of these lesions were considered through immunohistochemical anaylsis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), MIB-1, Flk-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, and endoglin antibodies. Positive immunostaining of endothelial cells occurred in 86% of patients for PCNA and in 38% of the cases for MIB 1. The expression of Flk-1 was observed in the endothelium of 71% of the cases, for VEGF in 41%, for HIF-1 alpha in 48.1%, and for endoglin in 63.6% of the cases. The correlation of immunohistochemical and clinical data indicated that VEGF was expressed in significantly less deep-seated lesions when compared with superficial CCMs. Neither the expression of the proliferative markers nor the expression of the angiogenetic antibodies correlated with patient age at surgery, sex, or the number of recent prior hemorrhagic episodes in the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The CCMs from adult patients are active lesions exhibiting endothelial proliferation and neoangiogenesis. According to the data in this study, neoangiogenesis is more prominent in superficial CCMs than in deep-seated CCMs and is not associated with recent prior hemorrhages.

Supratentorial cavernous haemangiomas and epilepsy: a review of the literature and case series

OBJECTIVES

To characterise the clinical features and response to treatment of supratentorial cavernomas associated with epilepsy.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was carried out and a retrospective case series of patients with cavernoma diagnosed by MRI and/or histology was compiled. Patient selection biases in the literature review were reduced as far as possible by selection of unbiased publications.

RESULTS

In the literature, cavernomas were relatively less common in the frontal lobes. There were multiple cavernomas in 23% of cases. The main clinical manifestations were seizures (79%) and haemorrhage (16%). The annual haemorrhage rate was 0.7%. The outcome after excision was good with improvement in seizures in 92% of patients. In the case series the surgical outcome was less favourable, reflecting inclusion of a higher proportion of patients with intractable epilepsy. In both the literature review and the case series, outcome was poorer in cases with a longer duration of seizures at the time of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The good surgical results, particularly in cases treated earlier, and the significant cumulative haemorrhage rate, suggest that excision is the optimum treatment. However, these factors have not been examined prospectively and, despite the availability of several retrospective studies, the optimum treatment, particularly for non-intractable cases, will only be determined by a prospective study.

Radiosurgery for cavernous malformations

OBJECT

The authors examined 22 patients with cavernous malformations (CMs) who had undergone gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) to assess the value of this procedure in treating these lesions.

METHODS

At the Karolinska Hospital, GKRS was used to treat 23 patients with CMs during the period of 1985 through 1996. One of the patients was lost to follow up and the treatment results of the 22 remaining patients were analyzed. In the first half of the series, the CMs were treated with high doses of radiation (> 15-Gy dose to the periphery); in the second half of the series, lower doses were used. Nine of the 22 patients suffered a post-GKRS hemorrhage and six developed a radiation-induced complication (two of these patients experienced both). Some time after GKRS was performed, surgical removal of the CM had to be undertaken in four patients because of hemorrhage and in two patients because of radiation-induced complications. Four of the nine patients who experienced no post-GKRS hemorrhage or radiation-induced complication were treated before 1990; recent magnetic resonance imaging revealed a decrease in the size of the CM in three of these individuals and no size change in the other. The annual post-GKRS hemorrhage rate was 8% in this group. There was a trend in the hemorrhage rate to decrease 4 years postsurgery. There was also a trend for higher radiation doses administered to the periphery of the lesion to result in a lower risk of posttreatment hemorrhage. However, it could not be concluded whether GKRS affects the natural course of a CM. The incidence of radiation-induced complications was approximately seven times higher than that expected if the same number of patients had been treated by GKRS with the same radiation dose distributions for arteriovenous malformations instead of CMs.

CONCLUSIONS

The high incidence of radiation-induced complications does not seem to justify the limited protection the treatment may afford in only exceptional cases. A prospective randomized study is needed before the role of radiosurgery in the management of these lesions can be defined. Until such a study has proved differently, a caveat must be raised for the treatment of CM with GKRS.

De novo formation of a central nervous system cavernous malformation: implications for predicting risk of hemorrhage. Case report and review of the literature

The authors present a documented sporadic de novo cavernous malformation of the central nervous system (CNS) in a patient undergoing follow-up magnetic resonance imaging after resection of an acoustic neuroma. The authors believe that this is the first report of a de novo cavernous malformation in a patient without a familial history of this disease or a history of treatment with cranial radiation. The occurrence of de novo lesions invalidates the common assumption that cavernous malformations are congenital lesions. The use of this assumption to calculate bleeding risks retrospectively in patients with cavernous malformations is likely to underestimate the risk of symptomatic hemorrhage significantly. Consequently, the de novo formation of cavernous malformations may be more common than appreciated and may explain the higher bleeding rates reported in prospective compared with retrospective studies of these lesions.

Mixed arteriovenous malformation and capillary telangiectasia: a rare subset of mixed vascular malformations. Case report

In this report, the authors discuss the case of a patient with a mixed cerebrovascular malformation in which an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was associated with a capillary telangiectasia. Recent reports have contained reviews of various subsets of mixed malformations. To the authors' knowledge, however, this is the first report of a mixed vascular malformation with both arterial and capillary components. The patient underwent complete resection of the AVM after presenting with a clinical hemorrhage. She required a second operation to resect the capillary telangiectasia after new symptoms developed several months following the first procedure. The authors conclude that a mixed AVM-capillary telangiectasia is a rare but distinct entity.

Regional parenchymal enhancement with mixed cavernous/venous malformations of the brain

✓ With improvements in imaging technology, the detection of both cavernous malformations and venous malformations has increased markedly in recent years. Although much has been learned about the association of cavernous and venous malformations, important questions regarding the true nature of such a relationship remain unanswered. It has been proposed that certain venous malformations produce local venous hypertension with resultant microhemorrhage, growth factor release, and creation of cavernous malformations. The authors report on two patients with cerebellopontine venous malformations associated with cavernous malformations. Both patients demonstrated persistent regional parenchymal enhancement associated with the vascular malformations. In addition, both patients had significant clinical symptoms referable to the region of affected brain. This previously undescribed finding may represent an imaging correlate to the complex interaction among venous malformations, venous hypertension, and cavernous malformations.

Seizure control following surgery in supratentorial cavernous malformations: a retrospective study in 77 patients

Of 168 patients operated on consecutively for a supratentorial cavernous malformation, 77 had seizures as the initial symptom. The effectiveness of surgery in controlling seizures and the risk of surgery were evaluated by retrospective review of the patients' charts. The follow-up period was 1 to 9 years (mean 39 months) and the review period totalled 284 lesion-years. Only two patients showed postoperative deterioration in neurological status (morbidity risk: 2.6%), no patient died (mortality: 0%). Sixty-eight (88.3%) patients were seizure-free after operation and five (6.5%) showed a marked reduction in the frequency of their seizures. This corresponds to an overall positive effect of surgery of 94.8% of the patients. There was no substantial evidence that excision of the haemosiderin-stained tissue around the cavernoma along with the lesion itself provided better results than resection of only the cavernoma. Better results with regard to seizure control, however, were associated with shorter duration of symptoms before surgery.

Mapping a gene causing cerebral cavernous malformation to 7q11.2-q21

Cerebral cavernous malformation is a common disease of the brain vasculature of unknown cause characterized by dilated thin-walled sinusoidal vessels (caverns); these lesions cause varying clinical presentations which include headache, seizure, and hemorrhagic stroke. This disorder is frequently familial, with autosomal dominant inheritance. Using a general linkage approach in two extended cavernous malformation kindreds, we have identified linkage of this trait to chromosome 7q11.2-q21. Multipoint linkage analysis yields a peak logarithm of odds (lod) score of 6.88 with zero recombination with locus D7S669 and localizes the gene to a 7-cM region in the interval between loci ELN and D7S802.

Progression of multiple cryptic vascular malformations associated with anomalous venous drainage. Case report

The case of a young girl with a pericallosal venous malformation associated with multiple cryptic vascular malformations (CVM's) is described. The presenting cryptic malformation, which hemorrhaged, was completely excised, but the venous malformation was not. Routine follow-up magnetic resonance images obtained over the past 9 years have documented the development of multiple new cryptic malformations along the radicles of the venous malformation. Magnetic resonance imaging and cerebral angiography revealed venous outflow obstruction at the junction of the venous malformation with the straight sinus. The association of CVM's with anomalous venous drainage patterns and the role of venous hypertension in the pathogenesis of cryptic malformations are discussed. This case suggests that CVM's associated with a venous malformation may recur and new ones may develop if the venous malformation is not excised, particularly if venous hypertension is also present. The likelihood of a surgical cure in these patients may depend on complete excision of both anomalies, which is rarely feasible because of the potentially devastating results of resecting a venous malformation. Alternative treatments for patients with both types of lesions are discussed.

The natural history of familial cavernous malformations: results of an ongoing study

Cavernous malformations are congenital abnormalities of the cerebral vessels that affect 0.5% to 0.7% of the population. They occur in two forms: a sporadic form characterized by isolated lesions, and a familial form characterized by multiple lesions with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. The management of patients with cavernous malformations, particularly those with the familial form of the disease, remains a challenge because little is known regarding the natural history. The authors report the results of an ongoing study in which six families afflicted by familial cavernous malformations have been prospectively followed with serial interviews, physical examinations, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 6- to 12-month intervals. A total of 59 members of these six families were screened for protocol enrollment; 31 (53%) had MR evidence of familial cavernous malformations. Nineteen (61%) of these 31 patients were symptomatic, with seizures in 12 (39%), recurrent headaches in 16 (52%), focal sensory/motor deficits in three (10%), and visual field deficits in two (6%). Twenty-one of these 31 patients underwent at least two serial clinical and MR imaging examinations. A total of 128 individual cavernous malformations (mean 6.5 +/- 3.8 lesions/patient) were identified and followed radiographically. During a mean follow-up period of 2.2 years (range 1 to 5.5 years), serial MR images demonstrated 17 new lesions in six (29%) of the 21 patients; 13 lesions (10%) showed changes in signal characteristics, and five lesions (3.9%) changed significantly in size. The incidence of symptomatic hemorrhage was 1.1% per lesion per year. The results of this study demonstrate that the familial form of cavernous malformations is a dynamic disease; serial MR images revealed changes in the number, size, and imaging characteristics of lesions consistent with acute or resolving hemorrhage. It is believed that the de novo development of new lesions in this disease has not been previously reported. These findings suggest that patients with familial cavernous malformations require careful follow-up monitoring, and that significant changes in neurological symptoms warrant repeat MR imaging. Surgery should be considered only for lesions that produce repetitive or progressive symptoms. Prophylactic resection of asymptomatic lesions does not appear to be indicated.

Cavernous haemangiomas (angiomas) of the brain: clinically significant lesions

A review of 2000 consecutive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain studies identified 18 (0.9%) patients with lesions that satisfied MRI criteria for cavernous haemangiomas. The clinical, computed tomography (CT) and MRI findings in 23 patients with probable cavernous haemangiomas were compared. Thirty-three lesions were identified with multiple lesions in five (22%) patients. In 19 (82%) patients the neurological presentation corresponded to a cavernous haemangioma. The presenting symptoms were: seizures in 11 patients (48%); progressive neurological symptoms and signs in four (17%); and acute symptoms and signs due to haemorrhage in four (17%). T2 weighted images suggested the diagnosis in all cases, with 24 (73%) lesions showing the typical appearance of an area of mixed signal intensity with a rim of low signal intensity. In the absence of acute haemorrhage, CT demonstrated well circumscribed, round or oval hyperdense lesions without significant mass effect and with normal surrounding brain tissue in the majority of cases. Although not diagnostic, these CT features are strongly suggestive of cavernous haemangiomas.

Controversies in the management of brainstem cavernous angioma: report of two cases

Two cases of cavernous angioma involving the medulla oblongata are presented. Both cases underwent surgical excision with excellent outcome. The use of surgery via craniectomy is contrasted with stereotactic radiosurgery in light of the known natural history of the lesions. As a result, it is suggested that surgical excision provides immediate protection from the risks of recurrent haemorrhage, establishes a tissue diagnosis, allows complete removal at the primary intervention, avoids complications of radiation-induced damage and is performed more easily in these vascular anomalies due to the presence of a capsule with surrounding gliotic tissue. Additionally, it is implied that the natural history of lesions in this region is still unclear. For these reasons, it is suggested that surgical excision should be the primary therapeutic intervention for cavernous angiomata that involve the brainstem.

An analysis of the natural history of cavernous angiomas

The advent of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has permitted the recognition of many angiographically occult vascular malformations before the development of complications and subsequent surgical removal. This study reviews all patients at one institution who had radiographically identifiable vascular malformations believed to represent cavernous angiomas in order to obtain information on the natural history of this particular lesion. All 8131 craniospinal MR images performed at our medical center from January 1, 1986, to November 30, 1989, were reviewed, and 32 patients were identified with 76 lesions meeting the MR imaging criteria for cavernous angioma. Medical histories, physical examination records, and other data from these patients were then reviewed to determine the frequency of complications. Their mean age at latest follow-up examination (or at surgical removal of the lesion) was 37.6 years (range 16 to 72 years). Sixteen patients (50%) had a history of seizures, seven (22%) had focal neurological deficits, and three (9%) had clinically significant hemorrhage attributable to the cavernous angioma; six patients (19%) were asymptomatic. The estimated risk of hemorrhage for this population is 0.25%/person-year of exposure; the estimated risk of seizure development is 1.51%/person-year. Eight patients underwent surgical procedures, resulting in improved seizure control and/or lessened neurological deficit. Although these lesions are often excised with relative ease and minimal morbidity, the potential risks and benefits of surgery must be weighed carefully before removal of these relatively benign malformations.