Cryptic vascular malformations diagnosed by stereotactic biopsies--a preliminary study.
A series of 14 cryptic vascular malformations (CVM) deeply situated or localized in functional cortical areas were diagnosed by serial stereotactic biopsies. No history was suggestive of hemorrhage, despite a substantial hematoma being evacuated during biopsy procedures in 4 patients. Retrospectively, CVM without hematoma were found to have certain characteristics that should raise the suspicion as to the correct diagnosis. At the time of discharge from the hospital, only 1 patient had mild aggravation of a preexisting motor deficit, which further improved. Serial stereotactic biopsies provided the required histological diagnosis with relatively low risk.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed