[Histopathology of central nervous system cavernomas]

Neurochirurgie. 2007 Jun;53(2-3 Pt 2):131-5. doi: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2007.02.004.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Central nervous system cavernomas are vascular malformations, which occur in two circumstances: sporadic forms and familial autosomal dominant forms. The lesion consists of enlarged, closely packed vessels without interposition of brain parenchyma, surrounded by hemosiderin and gliosis, calcified in few cases. In 80% of sporadic forms the lesion is unique, multiple lesions are rare (median: 4). In familial forms the lesions are always multiple. Cavernomas are often associated with other vascular malformations, especially with venous developmental anomalies. The size of cavernomas is variable from 1 mm to several centimeters. About 70% of cases are supratentorial and 30% in the posterior fossa, particularly in the brain stem. Macroscopic and histopathological findings are typical and the diagnostic is generally easy.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Vessels / pathology
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / ultrastructure
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / pathology*
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry