Paediatric presentation of familial cerebral cavernoma.
We report the case of a 13-year-old male who presented with headaches and was presumed to have a brain tumour. He was subsequently found to have multiple cerebral cavernomas with haemorrhage and positive family history. We review the literature on familial cavernomas. Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are characterized by abnormally enlarged capillary cavities without intervening brain parenchyma [Verlaan et al. Neurology 2005; 65:1982-1983] that may involve any part of the central nervous system. Focal neurologic deficit and haemorrhage occur in 45% of children, higher than in adults [Stoeter. Neurosurg Rev 2001; 24]. Paediatric patients with symptomatic cavernous malformations should be treated surgically because of the risk of haemorrhage [Lee et al. Child's Nervous Syst 2008; 24:321-327].
Holme
Harriet
H
Watford General Hospital, Watford, UK. harrietholme@hotmail.com
Nanduri
Vasanta
V
D000293:Adolescent; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020786:Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male