[Cerebral cavernoma as a cause of recurrent cerebral hemorrhage and epileptic insults].

Cerebral cavernous angiomas or cavernomas have been increasingly diagnosed in recent years as a cause of recurrent cerebral hemorrhage or epilepsy. Some cavernomas exhibit a tumorous growth tendency. On CT-scan, cavernomas appear as variably cystic lesions often with focal calcifications. The lesion may be masked by a surrounding hematoma. Seventeen cases were observed initially or on follow-up within 3 years. Examination of the surgical specimens allowed differentiation of the lesions into several subtypes correlating to the different clinical courses. The diagnosis of cavernomas is important since these lesions can be cured surgically. The spontaneous clinical course, however, is usually progressive.