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Brain capillary telangiectasias: from normal variants to disease
Anthony S Larson1,2, Kelly D Flemming3, Giuseppe Lanzino4,5
1Mayo Clinic Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA. lars4689@umn.edu.
Acta Neurochirurgica
|March 8, 2020
Summary
Symptomatic brain capillary telangiectasias (BCTs), though rare, can cause neurological issues. While most BCTs don't need intervention, surgical removal offers good outcomes in select cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Malformations
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Brain capillary telangiectasias (BCTs) are uncommon vascular malformations.
- Symptomatic BCTs are rare but can lead to significant neurological deficits.
- Existing literature on BCTs' epidemiology, imaging, and pathology may be insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on symptomatic brain capillary telangiectasias.
- To consolidate information on the epidemiologic, radiographic, and pathologic features of BCTs.
- To understand the clinical presentation and management of symptomatic BCTs.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar.
- Studies reporting symptomatic BCTs were identified and analyzed.
- Data on patient demographics, lesion characteristics, symptoms, and treatment were extracted.
Main Results:
- Ninety-nine cases of symptomatic BCTs were analyzed from 48 studies.
- Hemorrhagic BCTs (33 cases) presented earlier (mean age 25.5 years) with motor disturbances.
- Non-hemorrhagic BCTs (66 cases) presented later (mean age 39.8 years) with headaches, often in the pons.
Conclusions:
- Symptomatic BCTs, both hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic, can cause severe neurological sequelae.
- Most BCTs do not require intervention, but surgical removal can be effective in select cases.
- Further research on symptomatic BCTs is crucial for understanding their clinical and pathogenic implications.
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