Cavernous Sinus Hemangiomas and Cavernous Malformations
Cavernous Sinus Hemangiomas and Cavernous Malformations
Cavernous hemangiomas that occur within the cavernous sinus (CS) are different from cerebral cavernous malformations (CMs) clinically, on imaging studies, and in their response to treatment. Moreover, CMs are true vascular malformations, whereas hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors. Because of these differences, the authors suggest that these two entities be analyzed and grouped separately. Unfortunately, despite these differences, much confusion exists in the literature as to the nature, behavior, and classification of these two distinct lesions. This confusion is exacerbated by subtle histological differences and the inconsistent use of nomenclature. The authors use the term "cavernous malformation" to refer to intraaxial lesions only; they prefer to use the term "cavernous sinus hemangioma" to refer to extraaxial, intradural hemangiomas of the CS.
Cavernous malformations are well-characterized lesions that occur within the CNS. Despite similarities in the histological appearance of CMs and CS hemangiomas, the two lesions behave differently. Consequently, we maintain that these two entities are clinically different ( Table 1 ). Their nomenclature should be used appropriately because the natural history and treatment paradigms of these lesions also differ. We briefly review the literature examining this issue.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Cavernous hemangiomas that occur within the cavernous sinus (CS) are different from cerebral cavernous malformations (CMs) clinically, on imaging studies, and in their response to treatment. Moreover, CMs are true vascular malformations, whereas hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors. Because of these differences, the authors suggest that these two entities be analyzed and grouped separately. Unfortunately, despite these differences, much confusion exists in the literature as to the nature, behavior, and classification of these two distinct lesions. This confusion is exacerbated by subtle histological differences and the inconsistent use of nomenclature. The authors use the term "cavernous malformation" to refer to intraaxial lesions only; they prefer to use the term "cavernous sinus hemangioma" to refer to extraaxial, intradural hemangiomas of the CS.
Introduction
Cavernous malformations are well-characterized lesions that occur within the CNS. Despite similarities in the histological appearance of CMs and CS hemangiomas, the two lesions behave differently. Consequently, we maintain that these two entities are clinically different ( Table 1 ). Their nomenclature should be used appropriately because the natural history and treatment paradigms of these lesions also differ. We briefly review the literature examining this issue.
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