Pediatric Cerebral Cavernous Malformations

Cerebral cavernous malformations are the second most common vascular malformations in the central nervous system, and over one-third are found in children. Lesions may be solitary or multiple, be discovered incidentally, be sporadic, or be secondary to familial cavernomatosis or radiation therapy. Children may present with focal seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, or focal neurological deficits without radiological evidence of recent hemorrhage. We present several children with cerebral cavernous malformations and explore the challenges of their diagnosis in children, their key imaging features, the role of follow-up imaging, and their subsequent management including stereotactic radiosurgery and microsurgical resection. Individual patient risk stratification is advocated for all affected children and their families. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Cerebral cavernous malformations, the second most common vascular malformations in the central nervous system, can present with a variety of symptoms in children and can be diagnosed through imaging. The diagnosis, follow-up, and management of the condition are crucial for affected children and their families.