Management of cavernous malformations in the pediatric population

The management of cavernous malformations (CMs) in a child is similar in many ways to that of CMs in an adult. There are specific general principles that need to be considered when approaching these lesions in children, however. The long life span anticipated in the pediatric patient may favor an aggressive surgical approach for single, small asymptomatic cavernous malformations or for certain symptomatic lesions in eloquent locations. The observed history of a given malformation may be the best guide to determine its treatment. The authors discuss some of these principles and review their experience with a series of children who have presented for management of cerebral CM.