Vascular

Question 1

Describe cavernous malformations

Answer 1

Multilobulated berrylike structures full of blood of different ages
No feeding artery and no intervening brain

Question 2

Cavernous malformations: are calcifications common?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

Cavernous malformations: supra or infratentorial?

Answer 3

80% supratentorial

Question 4

Cavernous malformations: what percent is familial and multiple?

Answer 4

5% familial

10% multiple

Question 5

Cavernous malformations: Genetic loci

Answer 5

CCM1 (KRIT1) on 7q
CCM2 (Malcavernin) on 7p
PDCD10 (CCM3) on 3q

Question 6

Cavernous malformations: peak age

Answer 6

20-40 years

Question 7

Cavernous malformations: CT and MR

Answer 7

CT: hyperdense lesion or hematoma (sometimes with fluid-fluid level), may demonstrate calcifications

MR T1: Hyperintense with hypointense. may or may not enhance. Popcorn lesion with surrounding hemosiderin ring

Question 8

Cavernous malformations: Angiographic findings

Answer 8

Normal

Question 9

Cavernous malformations: Risk of hemorrhage

Answer 9

0.5-1% per year

May be higher in familial form in Hispanics

Question 10

Cavernous malformations: Pathology

Answer 10

Multiple thin-walled vessels without intervening brain tissue