Giant cavernous angioma of the temporal lobe: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Cavernous angiomas of the central nervous system are angiographically occult vascular lesions and are easily diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Giant cavernous angiomas (GCA) are rare, with only 11 cases reported in the literature. Imaging appearance of GCAs has not been reviewed previously. We report a GCA of the temporal lobe, and discuss its computed tomography and MRI findings in the view of the literature. Imaging appearance of GCAs is variable. Some GCAs have features that are similar to those of typical cavernous angiomas, whereas some lesions may be purely cystic; and some present with significant contrast enhancement and mass effect, mimicking neoplasms. While the presence of hemosiderin, blood degradation products, and calcification may be helpful in the diagnosis of some cases, the correct diagnosis is not apparent until histopathological evaluation of the specimen is made in many instances.