Cavernous angioma (patient information)

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Edzel Lorraine Co, D.M.D., M.D.

Overview

Cavernous angiomas are vascular malformations with thin-walled endothelial-lining. It has two types: sporadic or familial with autosomal dominant inheritance.

What are the symptoms of cavernous angioma?

Clinical presentations of cavernous angioma vary depending on where the lesion is found. Symptoms include headache, seizures, hemorrhage and focal neurologic deficits.

What causes cavernous angioma?

• The exact cause of cavernous angioma is still unknown.

• However, it is believed that it usually develops as a form of compensation to the lack of normal vessels brought about by hypoplasia, aplasia, or early occlusion of newly formed-veins.
  

Who is at highest risk?

Patients with family history of cavernous angioma are at high risk of having this disease. Genetic testing is advised.

Diagnosis

Imaging studies, particularly the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are usually used to detect cavernous angioma.

When to seek urgent medical care?

If symptoms such as seizure, headache, or progressive neurologic deficit develop, immediate consultation should be done to evaluate for possible new bleeding or cavernous angioma.

Treatment options

• conservative management
• surgical resection
• stereotactic radiosurgery

Prevention

Genetic testing should be done.

What to expect (outlook/perspective)

Cavernous angioma is usually benign and does not produce life-threatening bleeding.

Possible complications

• bleeding
• progressive neurologic deficit