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Published on: February 8, 2019
Radiographic features of tumefactive giant cavernous angiomas
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA.
Acta Neurochirurgica
|December 11, 2007
Summary
Giant cavernous angiomas (GCAs) are rare vascular malformations that present unique diagnostic challenges. Characteristic MRI findings include a multicystic appearance with complete hemosiderin rings, often described as "bubbles of blood."
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Vascular Malformations
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Giant cavernous angiomas (GCAs) are exceptionally rare vascular malformations.
- Their imaging features often differ significantly from typical cavernous angiomas (CAs), posing diagnostic difficulties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the radiographic characteristics of GCAs.
- To identify features that differentiate GCAs from neoplastic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of neuroradiological findings in 18 patients with histologically confirmed GCAs (≥4 cm).
- Assessment of MRI appearance, enhancement patterns, edema, mass effect, size, location, and clinical data.
Main Results:
- Common symptoms include seizures, neurologic deficits, hemorrhage, and hydrocephalus.
- CT scans showed hyperdense, nonenhancing lesions with calcifications.
- MRI revealed multicystic lesions with multiple complete hemosiderin rings, resembling "bubbles of blood," and potential tumefactive appearance due to edema/mass effect.
Conclusions:
- Multicystic appearance with complete hemosiderin rings on MRI is a key diagnostic feature of GCAs.
- While characteristic, histopathological evaluation may be necessary for definitive diagnosis in some cases.
