Cavernous angioma: a literature review and case report

Abstract

Cavernous angioma is one of several vascular malformations whose presentation is usually seizures, headaches, or neurological deficits. The frequency of such malformations is controversial and appears to be more common than once thought because of the availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A 16-year-old presented to an emergency department with the complaint of headaches and oral numbness. She was found to have mild dysarthria and right-sided hemiparesis. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head revealed a large hemorrhage present in the left posterior frontal region with two smaller lesions in the vertebral hemispheres. MRI later confirmed the lesions to be compatible with cavernous angioma. The mother also complained of having a long history of headaches with numbness in her hands but had a negative CT scan. This raises the question of familial pattern, which has been well documented in the literature. A review of the literature looking at etiology, differential diagnosis, and management options is included.