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Cavernous angiomas of the spinal cord
G R Cosgrove1, G Bertrand, S Fontaine
1Department of Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Hospital, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Spinal cord cavernous angiomas are rare vascular malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging is crucial for diagnosis, and outcomes vary despite treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Malformations
Background:
- Cavernous angiomas of the spinal cord are rare vascular malformations.
- They can present with diverse neurological deficits.
Observation:
- Five cases of spinal cord cavernous angiomas were analyzed.
- Initial symptoms included lower-extremity sensory disturbance and hand weakness.
- Progressive neurological deficits were observed in all patients.
Findings:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved diagnostic when myelography was inconclusive.
- Cavernous angiomas were located in the cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar regions.
- Histological examination revealed characteristic features and evidence of remote hemorrhage.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis, particularly with MRI, is essential.
- Treatment strategies range from subtotal removal to biopsy, with variable outcomes.
- Understanding the clinical course and prognostic factors is vital for patient management.