Diagnosing Cavernous Angioma

Cavernous Angiomas are clusters of abnormal blood vessels found in the brain and spinal cord. They are usually red to purple in color and resemble a raspberry and the size ranges from microscopic to inches in diameter. Rarely, they can be found in other parts of the body. They belong to a group of intracranial malformations. Cavernous angiomas represent about 3% of all intramedullary cavernomas and occurs relatively frequently in children.

Cavernous Angiomas are also known as cavernous hemangioma, cerebral cavernous malformation, cavernoma, congenital vascular cavernous malformations, familial hemangioma, nevus cavernosus, vascular erectile tumor and cavernous malformation.

Cavernous Angiomas may not produce any symptoms. Some people never realize they even have the disorder because of this. At least 30% of patients will eventually develop symptoms. Symptoms that may occur include headaches, seizures and small parenchymal hemorrhages. Neurological deficits such as weakness in arms and legs, vision problems, balance problems and memory and attention problems may also occur. The onset of symptoms usually occurs by 20 to 30 years of age.

The disorder appears to be congenital meaning that the patient is born with the disorder. Genetic factors may play a role in acquiring the disorder, but most cases occur sporadically.

The location and number of lesions determine the severity of the cavernous angioma so the prognosis differs for each patient. Cavernous angioma can be fatal if the disorder causes severe brain hemorrhages.

MRI Scans are used the most to diagnose cavernous angioma and are best seen on T2 weighted images, but small lesions can still be missed on an MRI. Large cavernous angiomas may be seen on CT Scans, but this test is not recommended for diagnosis. Cavernous angiomas may not appear on imaging studies until adulthood when they become larger.

The first treatment option is observation. Yearly MRI Scans are done to see if the cavernous angioma changes. This treatment option is used if the disorder is noticed accidentally and is not causing any problems. Microsurgery is the treatment of choice for lesions that produce symptoms and are easy to get to. Stereotactic radiosurgery may be used to treat deep or hard to reach lesions.

Cavernous Angiomas are not common and only occur in only 1 out of 100-200 people. They are far less common than brain aneurysms. The disorder occurs in all races and sexes. Cavernous angiomas are not a type of cancer and will not spread to other parts of the body.