Cavernous Malformation

Cavernous malformations are vascular malformations composed of dilated, thin-walled capillary-like channels prone to hemorrhage. Clinically, they may cause seizures, focal neurological deficits, or hemorrhagic stroke, though many remain asymptomatic. Pathophysiology involves abnormal angiogenesis and structural instability of the vascular endothelium. Diagnosis relies on MRI, particularly susceptibility-weighted imaging, which identifies characteristic “popcorn-like” lesions with hemosiderin deposits. Management includes observation for asymptomatic lesions and surgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery for symptomatic or hemorrhagic lesions; prognosis depends on lesion location and recurrence risk.