[Cavernomas of the central nervous system. Historical data and changing ideas].

Abstract

Since the advent of modern neuroimaging (MRI) cerebral cavernomas are usually diagnosed "in vivo". In this paper we describe the data which improved our knowledge of the disease: 1) nosologically, cerebral cavernomas belong to the group of cerebral vascular hamartomas which can be associated between themselves ("mixed" lesions); 2) hemodynamically, the annual risk of hemorrhage increases after a first bleeding and in deep located lesions (brainstem); 3) association between cavernomas and developmental venous anomalies may be observed; the later on must be left in place at operation; 4) immunocytochemical studies (PCNA) show that cavernomas should be considered more as a benign vascular tumor than as a malformation; 5) familial forms (20%) are characterized by multiple locations and "de novo" lesions; 6) better understanding of the natural history of cavernomas, which is a dynamic lesion, leads to broader surgical indications (no alternative treatment).

• Authors: J-P Houtteville
• Journal: Neuro-Chirurgie (Neurochirurgie) Vol. 53 Issue 2-3 Pt 2 Pg. 117-21 (Jun 2007) ISSN: 0028-3770 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Les cavernomes du système nerveux central. Historique et évolution des idées.
• PMID: 17499816 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Central Nervous System Neoplasms (blood supply, genetics, pathology, surgery)
• Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System (genetics, pathology, surgery)
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Regional Blood Flow (physiology)
• Terminology as Topic