Natural history, management, and outcomes of cerebellar cavernous malformations: A retrospective study of 130 patients.

OBJECTIVE

Data on the natural history and management of cerebellar cavernous malformations (CMs) is limited. This study aims to identify factors associated with hemorrhage risk, assess management strategies, and compare outcomes between conservative and surgical management in patients with cerebellar CMs.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 130 patients with cerebellar CMs treated at our center (1990-2023). Data on clinical presentation, lesion characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes were analyzed. Annual hemorrhage risk was calculated. Surgical outcomes were assessed based on the persistence of CM-related symptoms and the presence of postoperative complications. Statistical analyses identified factors associated with hemorrhage, symptomatic presentation, and surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 130 patients (53.8% female; median age of 48.5 years (IQR: 26.75)), 41 (31.5%) presented with hemorrhage, and 20 (15.4%) had focal neurological deficits. Median lesion size measured 12 mm (IQR 8 mm) in size and were primarily located in the hemispheres (n = 89, 68.5%), with fewer in the vermis (n = 21, 16.2%), peduncle (n = 20, 15.4%), and dentate nucleus (n = 9, 6.9%). The annual hemorrhage risk for incidental lesions was 1.19%, while rehemorrhage risk for initially hemorrhagic lesions was 8.35%. Surgery was performed in 31 patients (23.8%), mostly for hemorrhage (n = 15, 48.4%) or cerebellar symptoms (n = 7, 22.6%). Postoperative complications were reported in three patients. At a median follow-up of 1.11 years (IQR 5.15 years), 22 patients (18.2%) had persistent symptoms, two developed new symptoms, and two experienced worsening symptoms from hypertrophic olivary degeneration. There was no CM- related mortality, and only one patient experienced moderate CM-related disability (mRS = 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebellar CMs generally have a benign course with hemorrhage risks compared to supratentorial and brainstem lesions. Conservative management is recommended for incidental lesions, while surgery should be reserved for symptomatic, accessible cases.