CNS Cavernous Hemangioma; Imaging, Clinical Presentation and Related Anatomophysiology

"nClinical and imaging judgement or decision: "n- Is it a CH “CM, CA“? "n- Is it solitary, multiple or familial? "n- Is there an associated venous malformation? "n- Are there risks and consequences of hemorrhage? "n- Is the anatomic location critical and life threatening? "nCavernous malformation is a low pressure, slow flowing malformation and composes 10 – 15 % of vascular malformations. Cavernous angioma consists of enlarged sinusoidal vascular spaces, a compact mass in the brain and spinal cord, the endothelial lining is weak and blood element leakage is frequent.Calcification is possible "X – ray CT ". 75% located in the brain and 25 % in the posterior fossa and brain stem. "nAll 50% of cases are multiple and this form is familial in 80 % of cases “possibility combined with cord cavernoma“. "nExtra – medullary and extra – paranchymal forms are rare. "n- 40-60 % of the patients demonstrate seizure because of hemorrhage inside the cavernoma. "n10 – 15 % of complicated patients show significant clinical signs especially in the brain stem."n Imaging: "n1- X-ray CT: Isodense or hyperdense with frequent and heavy calcification . "nEnhanced CT may show the degree of enhancement. "n2 – By MRI: T1 may be isointense but in case of hemorrhage there is bright methemoglobin inside. By T2 and flair a thin capsule and a rim of hemosiderin – ferritin "popcorn or mulberries" and shows enhancement "GD-GRE-MRI pulse". "nCompanion of venous angioma and cavernoma is possible. "nBleeding is more likely from cavernous malformations during pregnancy. "nConclusion: CT and MRI demonstrate all forms and sites of brain and spinal cord cavernomas. "nAttention is necessary for brain stem lesions especially during pregnancy."n Treatment: 1- Medial and serial MRI controls. "n2- Radiosurgery "Gama-knife", rare. "n3- Microsurgery, very rare Multiple forms of these lesions are demonstratable in 55 patients.