Cavernous malformation

Cavernous hemangioma
Micrograph of a cavernous liver hemangioma. H&E stain.
Classification and external resources
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Cavernous hemangioma, also called cavernous angioma, cavernoma, or cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) (when referring to presence in the brain) is a type of blood vessel malformation or hemangioma, where a collection of dilated blood vessels form a benign tumor. Because of this malformation, blood flow through the cavities, or caverns, is slow. Additionally, the cells that form the vessels do not form the necessary junctions with surrounding cells. Also, the structural support from the smooth muscle is hindered, causing leakage into the surrounding tissue. It is the leakage of blood, known as a hemorrhage from these vessels that causes a variety of symptoms known to be associated with this disease.

Cavernous hemangiomas can arise nearly anywhere in the body where there are blood vessels and are considered to be benign tumours. They are often described as raspberry-like because of the bubble-like caverns. Unlike the capillary hemangiomas, cavernous ones can be disfiguring and do not tend to regress. Most cases of cavernomas are congenital, however they can develop over the course of a lifetime. While there is no definitive cause, research shows that genetic mutations result in the onset. Congenital hemangiomas that appear on the skin are known as either vascular or red birthmarks.

Most patients are asymptomatic, but where symptoms are present they can be treated with oral drugs to reduce the rapid cell division. Where the malformation is severe, surgical removal may be possible.

Since the mid 19th century, pathologists have come across cases of cavernomas by looking at brain tissue under a microscope. Still most symptomatic cases were inaccurately diagnosed with other neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis. When MRI was developed in the 1980s, the number of diagnosed cases of cavernous hemangioma increased.

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