[Intracerebral cavernous angioma]

Thirty four cases (18 operated, 16 non-operated), of cavernous angioma are reported. The presenting symptoms and signs were epilepsy in 22 cases, neurologic deficit in 9 and cerebromeningeal hemorrhage without vigilance disorders in 3. In the operated group 15 angiomas were supratentorial, 3 were subtentorial. In the non-operated group symptoms and signs were epilepsy in 11 cases and a neurologic deficit related to a brain stem lesion in 4/5 cases. Follow-up of 2 to 39 years after the first fit episode and of 1 to 7 years after initial diagnosis suggested that the risk of hemorrhage is low. Indications for neurosurgery are discussed as a function of the site of the angiomas and of the operative hemorrhagic risk.