Cerebral cavernous hemangioma
Overview
Another name for Cerebral cavernous hemangioma isCerebral cavernous malformations .(CCMs) are collections of small blood vessels (capillaries) in the brain that are enlarged and irregular in structure. These capillaries have abnormally thin walls that are prone to leak. They also lack other support tissues, such as elastic fibers, which normally make them stretchy. As a result, when the capillaries fill with blood, they stretch out and may not return to their normal size when the blood vessels empty. Cavernous malformations can occur anywhere in the body, but usually produce serious signs and symptoms only when they occur in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
Symptoms
Approximately 25 percent of individuals with cerebral cavernous malformations never experience any related medical problems. Other people with cerebral cavernous malformations may experience serious symptoms such as headaches, seizures, paralysis, hearing or vision deficiencies, and bleeding in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage). Severe brain hemorrhages can result in death.
Causes
This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. In some cases, an affected person inherits the mutation from one affected parent. Most cases of cerebral cavernous malformation result from a new mutation in the KRIT1, CCM2, or PDCD10 gene. These cases are known as sporadic, and they occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family.
Treatment
These resources address the management of cerebral cavernous malformation and may include treatment providers. * Gene Review: Familial Cerebral Cavernous MalformationThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. * Genetic AllianceThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. * MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Cerebral angiography