Cavernous Malformations
Overview
Cavernous malformations, also known as cavernous angiomas or cavernomas, are abnormal clusters of dilated blood vessels ranging in size from microscopic to inches in diameter. Made up of little pockets, or “caverns,” they’re filled with blood and lined with a thin layer of cells called the endothelium. These malformations can cause seizures, stroke symptoms, hemorrhages and headaches.
They can be found anywhere in the body, including the liver, rectum, kidney, eyes, nerves, spinal cord and brain. Those that develop in the brain or spinal cord – called cerebral cavernous malformations – are the most serious.
Cavernous malformations occur in about 1 in 200 people, affecting men and women almost equally and people of all races, and ages. In some cases, they run in families and are inherited.
Our approach to cavernous malformations
UCSF offers compassionate, cutting-edge care for cavernous malformations. The health care provider team may include several types of specialists to provide comprehensive screening, diagnosis and treatment.
UCSF has been named a Center of Excellence in Cerebral Cavernous Malformation by the advocacy group Angioma Alliance in recognition of the high-quality, multispecialty care we provide for these vascular malformations.
Awards & recognition
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Among the top hospitals in the nation
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Best in the West and No. 3 in the nation for neurology & neurosurgery
Signs & symptoms
Some people — roughly 15 percent — with cavernous malformations may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may suffer from a variety of effects. Symptoms typically depend on the location of the malformation and may include:
- Seizures ranging in severity, duration and intensity
- Neurological deficits, such as weakness in arms and legs as well as problems with vision, balance, memory and attention
- Headaches ranging in severity, duration and intensity
- Bleeding, called a hemorrhage, in the brain that may damage surrounding brain tissue
Diagnosis
Cavernous malformations usually are not diagnosed until they start causing symptoms. When possible symptoms appear, your doctor may recommend a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which remains the best way to diagnose cavernous malformations.
MRI scans may be repeated over the course of your treatment to detect any change in the size of the malformation, recent bleeding and the appearance of new lesions. MRI is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct pictures of the body.
Treatments
Currently, the treatments available for cavernous malformations include observation and surgery.
Observation
If your cavernous malformation does not seem to be causing any problems, your doctor may recommend that the malformation simply be observed with yearly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to detect any changes.
However, it is impossible to predict what will happen with any cavernous malformation. Some will cause repeated hemorrhages with worsening symptoms such as headaches, seizures, difficulty speaking, vision problems or weakness in the arms or legs, while others remain inactive and do not cause symptoms for many years.
Surgery
Surgery is often recommended for the treatment of cavernous malformations. Because these malformations are so distinct from the surrounding brain tissue, they can at times be completely removed and cure associated seizures. It is very important to remove the entire malformation because it can grow back if a small piece is left behind. The risk of the operation depends on the size and location of the cavernous malformation and your general health.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
