Cavernous Angioma

[Delores Wilson]

Four years ago I had a 1 c.m. cavernous angioma with an underlying cyst removed from my brainstem.I was left with severe tinglying and burning on left arm and hand, equillibrium problems, right side facial palsy,fine motor skill problems on left side and high blood pressure.   Just recently I read four of my last MRI reeports, including the one that was taken a month after my surgery.  In the report, it states that there is also a single 1 m.m. probable angioma in the body of the left lateral ventricle posteriorly.  

The question I have is:  Is this something I should be concerned about in the chance this small one will bleed and cause serious complications? I was told to not worry about it, but after one brain surgery and its complications, how can I not?  Any information on this small angioma in its particular location is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Delores Wilson

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Delores:

Sorry to hear of your troubles with the sequalae from the removal of your cavernous angioma.  I am not exactly sure where the second one lies, the body of the lateral ventricle?  Let me explain, the ventricle is a structurel filled with CSF fluid and allows the circulation of fluid around the brain to be sent to the venous sinus to be circulated in the blood stream.  As a fluid filled structure, with the exception of the choroid plexus the structure is a sac of fluid.  I will assume that the body of the ventricle means that the venous angioma lies just outside the ventricle, along the main part or body of the ventricle.  This location is not as elequent (higher functioning) as other areas.  The size of the angioma and the location suggests that small bleeding would not cause significant symptoms.  Without knowing the exact location, I can't tell you for sure.  I would think that the symptoms likely would not be noticed by you.  But confirmation of my thought needs to come from your neurologist that has viewed the films.

Sorry, I am not much help.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Delores Wilson]

Thank you for your quick reply and this great Neurology Forum.  The only other thing I could find on the MRI report said: An additional focal area of increased T1 and T2 signal with a small area of T2 shortening is seen along the anterior aspect of the splenium of the corpus callosum in the area of the body of the left lateral ventricle. This only measures approximately a mm in diameter.  Thank you again.  Delores Wilson