Cavernous Angioma Associated with Developmental Venous Anomaly

ABSTRACT

Owing to the development of high resolution-imaging modalities, cavernous angiomas and developmental venous anomalies are no longer uncommon clinical entities. The simultaneous occurrence of cavernous angioma and venous anomaly, however, is rare. In this paper we describe our clinical experience of 13 cavernous angiomas associated with venous anomaly, as well as the clinical and radiological characteristics, and surgical result; We report a retrospective series of cases in our four hospitals between July, 1990 and September, 1996. Seven patients were men and six were women; cavernous angiomas were classified into three pathophysiologic patterns, and venous anomalies were detected by either or a combination of these. In three cases, the MRI, MR angiography, cerebral angiography, venous anomaly was not in the vicinity of the cavernous angioma. Removal of the lesion aimed to eradicate the risk of recurrent bleeding and alleviate the patients' symptoms; no death occured, but patient deteriorated after surgery, showing a postoperative hemiparesis resulting from hemorrhagic venous infarction. In conclusion, the simultaneous occurrence of cavernous angioma and venous malformation is not rare. For the safe removal of a cavernous angioma, preoperative plans should involve considerations of venous anomaly; We believe that for successful surgery, the identification and preservation of venous malformation, which should be left undisturbed during the operation, is essential.