Multiple cavernomas of the brain: simultaneous hemorrhage of two lesions in a non-familial form

Turk Neurosurg. 2012;22(6):671-4. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.4107-11.2.

Abstract

Background: Cavernomas of the brain are congenital lesions clinically divided into hereditary and a sporadic forms. Multiple lesions are usually observed in the familial form, whereas the sporadic variant generally shows a single cavernoma. In this case we describe the simultaneous bleeding of two lesions in a patient with a non-familial cavernomatosis.

Case description: A 46-year-old woman presented with slight hyposthenia involving the left arm and cervical stiffness. Examinations revealed two cavernomas with recent signs of bleeding. The lesions were surgically removed achieving a total excision. The patient was discharged after 10 days with slight left hyposthenia.

Discussion: Simultaneous hemorrhage of multiple cavernomas is rare. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case showing a sporadic form presenting with two hemorrhagic lesions. We suggest an aggressive approach in order to avoid the risk of rebleeding, which is particularly high in case of hemorrhagic cavernomatosis.

MeSH terms

  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / surgery*
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Female
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / diagnosis
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / pathology
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / surgery*
  • Hemorrhage / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Risk
  • Treatment Outcome

Supplementary concepts

  • Familial cerebral cavernous malformation