Multiple cavernomas of brain presenting with simultaneous hemorrhage in two lesions: A case report

BACKGROUND Cavernomas are rare vascular lesions of the brain that can bleed. However, the risk of bleeding is lower than that of aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations. In selected cases, bleeding cavernomas require surgical management. Presented here is a case of multiple cavernomas of the brain with simultaneous bleeding in two different lesions, along with its management. Although multiple cavernomas have been described in the literature, simultaneous bleeding in two different lesions is rare. CASE DESCRIPTION A 52-year-old woman presented with difficulty maintaining balance, double vision, and slurred speech. She had had multiple surgeries for cavernous angioma of the brain in the past. Examination and investigations revealed two cavernomas, one in the dorsal midbrain region and one in the left occipital region. Her clinical condition deteriorated suddenly, and further evaluation revealed bleeding in both the cavernomas. The lesion in the midbrain was removed surgically. Since the lesion was in the posterior midbrain, a posterior interhemispheric approach was used with the help of frameless stereotactic navigation. Total excision was achieved. The lesion in the occipital lobe was not operated on. The patient had an uneventful recovery. It was planned to observe the progress of the occipital cavernoma by serial magnetic resonance imaging scans. CONCLUSION Although there may be simultaneous bleeding in two or even more lesions, surgical treatment should be undertaken for the lesions jeopardizing critical structures or exerting mass effects. Additionally, it was discovered that frameless stereotactic navigation was of immense help in delineating the lesion and for safe excision of the lesion in critical areas. (C) 2002 by Elsevier Science Inc.