POPCORN IN BRAIN” –TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL LOCATIONS OF CAVERNOUS ANGIOMAS IN BRAIN: CASE SERIES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Dr.Hemamalini.G, Dr. Mohan.D.Kashinkunti*, Dr.Anita Kini, Dr. Smrthi Shetty

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Cavernous haemangiomas (CH) are relatively uncommon non-shunting vascular malformations of the central nervous system and can present with seizures or with neurological deficits due to haemorrhage. Radiologists can often suggest the diagnosis of Cavernous haemangiomas based on characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, thus avoiding further invasive procedures such as digital subtraction angiography or surgical biopsy. Although typical MRI appearance combined with the presence of multiple focal low signal lesions on T2*-weighted images or the presence of one or more developmental venous anomaly within the brain can improve the diagnostic confidence, serial imaging studies are often required if a solitary Cavernous haemangioma presents at a time when the imaging appearances had not yet matured to the typical “popcornâ€Â appearance. [1] Aims and Objectives: To study the common and uncommon locations of intracranial cavernous angioma (CA) with various clinical presentation. Materials And Method: Retrospective study of 20 cases of cavernous angiomas in brain (case series) was studied using advanced cross sectional imaging modalities like Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) over a period of 2 years (Feb 2011-Oct 2013). Result: 0 cases studied were in the age group of 20-35yrs (12), 55-65yrs (8) with male: female ratio of 6:14. Most common clinical feature was headache and seizures (5/20), involuntary movements (3/20). Other features were sudden loss of speech, left sided hemiplegia, memory loss and incidental finding (12/20). Magnetic resonance imaging- Findings Typical- Reticulated "popcorn-like" lesion, mixed signal core, complete hypointense hemosiderin ririm, locules of blood with fluid-fluid levels, surrounding edema. No enhancement.

Keywords: Cavernous angiomas, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography. Seizure.