Intracranial Cavernous Hemangioma

ABSTRACT

Intracranial cavernous hemangioma is one of vascular malformations composed of thin walled sinusoidal spaces lined with endothelium. The authors described 7 cases of cavernous hemangioma that were verified histologically and 5 lesions that were diagnosed only with symptoms, radiological and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) findings. The clinical features are as follows7 patients had seizures, 3 focal neurological signs and 2 intracaranial hematomas. Computed tomography(CT) usually demonstrated nodular or irregular hyperdense lesions without significant mass effect. MRI usually revealed central area of mixed signal intensity and peripheral rim of low signal intensity. Angiography usually showed an avascular area or normal angiographic appearance. The combination of a clinical history with CT, angiography and MRI findings would suggest cavernous hemangioma. Four epilepsy patients underwent surgical procedures, resulting in improved seizure control and/or lessened neurological deficit.