Diagnosis of cavernous haemangiomas by computed tomography and angiography

Computed tomography and angiographical findings of cavernous haemangiomas of the brain are reported on the basis of six cases of the authors, and a review of the literature. Computed tomography showed well demarcated, round densities with tiny calcifications, and mild contrast enhancement (0-25 HU), with no mass effect and with open sulci round the lesion. The angiographical findings were normal except in one patient with an early draining vein and in another with a late draining vein; consequently an injection of at least 10 to 15 ml of contrast medium, and a prolonged angiographical series are recommended. According to the literature, capillary blush may also be seen in angiography. If both CT and angiography are used the diagnosis is definitive, and a neoplasm can be excluded. In five of our patients the diagnosis was verified surgically and histologically, while the sixth patient was not operated on because the frontoparietal lesion was near the motor region. In most cases, surgical removal is easy and successful.