Cavernous-venous malformation of brain stem - Report of a case and review of literature

BACKGROUND Because of improved imaging techniques, the association of cavernous and venous malformations is now being seen more often in neurosurgical practice. However, only a few cases have been subjected to surgery. Surgical excision of the cavernous malformation, sparing the venous component, has been the method of choice advocated by most authors. This, however, is not possible when the components are intimately associated with each other. It thus becomes important to predict the surgical outcome in such lesions, especially when they are located in an eloquent area. A surgically excised case of cavernous-venous malformation in the dorsal pontomedullary region is presented here; the histology confirmed the intimate association of both components. The relevant literature is also discussed. CASE DESCRIPTION This 20-year-old male presented with episodic vomiting, giddiness, and persistent cerebellar signs over a six-year period. Neuroimaging studies-computed tomography scan/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) were suggestive of a cavernous malformation. MRI also showed a draining vein close to the lesion. Following total excision, histopathology confirmed the intimate association of both cavernous and venous malformations. The patient made an uneventful recovery. MRI at follow up confirmed total excision. CONCLUSIONS The presence of venous channels draining into a lesion that otherwise appears to be a cavernous malformation may indicate an intimately associated venous component. Selective surgical excision of the cavernous component may be difficult in such cases. Surgical outcome, though favorable in this case, will be difficult to comment upon unless more such cases are reported. This may be of greater significance in lesions located in eloquent areas. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc.