Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 7, 2025

Induction and Micro-CT Imaging of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations in Mouse Model
Published on: September 4, 2017
[Cerebral and spinal cavernomas]
F J Ahlhelm1, A A Tarnutzer2, K Shariat3
1Abteilung Neuroradiologie, Zentrum für Bildgebung, Kantonsspital Baden AG, Im Ergel 1, 5404, Baden, Schweiz. frankjohannes.ahlhelm@ksb.ch.
Clinical/Methodical Issue:
Cavernous malformations or cavernomas belong to the angiodysplasias. They may be sporadic or familial and cause symptoms (epilepsy) despite the absence of a left-to-right shunt. In addition to intracranial locations, spinal cavernomas are also found.
Standard Radiological Methods:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are used for diagnosis PERFORMANCE: MRI, except for acutely or subacutely hemorrhaged cavernomas, is superior to CT for lesion detection.
Achievements:
CT is reserved for acute diagnosis. MRI, especially susceptibility-sensitive gradient echo sequences, can also detect cavernomas without (sub-)acute hemorrhage or calcifications.
Practical Recommendations:
MRI is also useful for differentiating the familial form vs. sporadic form. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is used for differential diagnosis in rare cases, as cavernomas show no correlate here.
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