Cavernomas

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Cavernomas

Cavernomas (pronunciation: /ˌkævərˈnoʊməs/), also known as cavernous angiomas, cavernous hemangiomas, or cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), are a cluster of abnormal, dilated vessels filled with blood. The term "cavernoma" is derived from the Latin word "caverna" meaning "cave" and the Greek suffix "-oma" indicating a swelling or tumor.

Description

Cavernomas are characterized by a raspberry-like structure of dilated blood vessels. They can occur anywhere in the body but are most commonly found in the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. These malformations can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cavernomas depend on their location and size. They can range from no symptoms at all to serious neurological deficits. Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, and neurological deficits such as weakness or numbness in the limbs or difficulty speaking.

Causes

The exact cause of cavernomas is unknown. However, they can occur sporadically or be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Some studies suggest a link between cavernomas and certain genetic mutations, specifically in the CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3 genes.

Diagnosis

Cavernomas are typically diagnosed through imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan. They can often be identified by their characteristic "popcorn" appearance on these scans.

Treatment

Treatment for cavernomas depends on their location, size, and the severity of symptoms. Options may include observation, medication to control symptoms such as seizures, or surgical removal.

See also

References

External links

External links

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