Angiographically cryptic cerebrovascular malformations

Three cases of angiographically cryptic cerebrovascular malformations are presented and a review of the cases in the English literature is tabulated. The typical patient is a 30- to 40-year-old woman with a history of seizures and headache. There is no antecedent history suggesting hemorrhage. On nonenhanced computerized tomographic scans, these lesions are denser than normal brain. They enhance with contrast administration. The angiogram demonstrates an avascular mass. The history, physical findings, and radiographic studies suggest brain tumor. An accurate diagnosis requires operation and pathological examination of the lesion.