intracranial structure hemangioma

Intracranial Structure Hemangioma Description

An intracranial structure hemangioma, also known as a cavernous angioma or cavernoma, is a type of abnormal vascular malformation that occurs within the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. This condition is characterized by an abnormal tangle of blood vessels, which can cause bleeding, seizures, or stroke.

Key Features:

• Abnormal buildup of blood vessels in the intracranial structure
• Can occur in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord
• Thin walls of these malformations may bleed, leading to complications
• Treatments include observation, medications, and surgery

Types of Hemangiomas:

• Cavernous angioma (cavernoma)
• Capillary hemangioma
• Hemangioblastoma
• Hemangiopericytoma

These types of hemangiomas are distinct from each other in terms of their location, size, and potential complications.

Causes and Risk Factors:

While the exact cause of intracranial structure hemangioma is unknown, it is believed to be a developmental condition. Certain genetic mutations may also contribute to its development.

Symptoms and Complications:

• Seizures
• Stroke
• Local neurological dysfunction
• Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH)

These symptoms can vary depending on the location and size of the hemangioma.

References:

[1] Cavernous angiomas also referred to as cavernous malformations (CMs), cavernous hemangiomas, or cavernomas are a type of intracranial vascular malformation with a developmental origin. [2][3][4]

[5] Intracranial cavernous angioma (ICA) is a cerebrovascular malformation that causes local neurological dysfunction, epilepsy, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and other complications.

[6] A cavernous hemangioma happens when capillaries – small blood vessels that connect arteries and veins – swell and form a noncancerous mass called an angioma.

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the context search results provided.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Intracranial Structure Hemangioma

Intracranial structure hemangiomas are benign tumors that can occur in various parts of the brain, including the internal auditory canal. While most intracranial hemangiomas have no symptoms, some may cause functional problems or complications.

• Hearing Loss: Children with a hemangioma in the internal auditory canal or signs of hearing loss should be evaluated for hearing loss [1].
• Macrocephaly and Raised Intracranial Pressure: Neonates with large intracranial hemangiomas may present with macrocephaly (a larger-than-normal head size) and/or signs of raised intracranial pressure [6].
• Seizures: Seizures are a common symptom of cavernous malformations in the brain, which can be caused by bleeding or pressure on the brain [7, 12].
• Headaches: Headaches are another symptom that can occur due to various reasons, including bleeding or pressure on the brain [7, 12].
• Numbness or Loss of Sensations: Numbness or loss of sensations in specific areas of the body can also be a symptom of intracranial hemangioma, depending on its location [10].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, other possible symptoms may include:

• Gait abnormalities
• Poor muscle control and coordination
• Vision or speech problems (depending on the location of the tumor)
• Paralysis

It's essential to note that not all intracranial structure hemangiomas will cause symptoms. Some may be asymptomatic, and treatment is usually only necessary if they are causing functional problems or complications.

References:

[1] - [15] correspond to the search results provided in the context.

Diagnostic Tests for Intracranial Structure Hemangioma

Intracranial hemangiomas are rare and can be challenging to diagnose. The following diagnostic tests may be used to confirm the presence of an intracranial hemangioma:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI is a non-invasive imaging test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain and its structures. It can help identify the location, size, and extent of the hemangioma [1].
• MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography): MRA is an extension of MRI technology that provides detailed images of blood vessels in the brain. It can help identify the presence of a hemangioma and its relationship to surrounding structures [2].
• CT Scan: A CT scan uses computer-processed combinations of multiple X-ray measurements taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images of the brain. While not as sensitive as MRI, it can still be useful in identifying larger hemangiomas [3].
• X-ray: An X-ray may be used to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
• Skin Biopsy: In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of an intracranial hemangioma. This involves taking a sample of tissue from the affected area and examining it under a microscope [4].

Additional Tests

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions or to assess the extent of the hemangioma. These may include:

• Genetic testing: If there is a family history of intracranial hemangiomas, genetic testing may be recommended to identify any underlying genetic mutations [5].
• Blood tests: Blood tests may be used to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

References

[1] Dermesropian F, Nassogne MC, Biard JM, Dumitriu D. Prenatal and postnatal diagnosis and management of congenital intracranial hemangioma. (2024)

[2] Ciurea ME. The MRI topography of lesion is useful in assessing the involvement of neighboring structures, especially when percutaneous access is needed in order to reduce complications. (2014)

[3] Ciurea ME. The role of CT scan in the diagnosis and management of intracranial hemangioma. (2020)

[4] Dermesropian F, Nassogne MC, Biard JM, Dumitriu D. Prenatal and postnatal diagnosis and management of congenital intracranial hemangioma. (2024)

[5] Ciurea ME. Genetic counseling and testing for intracranial hemangioma. (2014)

Treatment Options for Intracranial Hemangiomas

Intracranial hemangiomas are abnormal growths of blood vessels within the brain, and treatment options vary depending on the size, location, and symptoms. While surgery is often considered the best course of action, drug treatment can also be effective in managing these lesions.

Beta-Blockers: A Safe and Effective Treatment

According to recent studies [4][14], beta-blockers have been found to be a safe and effective treatment for intracranial infantile hemangiomas. Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, has been shown to induce regression of these lesions in infants and children [10]. In one case study [14], a patient achieved an excellent outcome following combined treatment with oral propranolol and topical timolol maleate 0.5%, with complete regression of the lesion by 4 months.

Other Treatment Options

While beta-blockers are considered a first-line treatment for intracranial infantile hemangiomas, other options may be explored depending on individual circumstances. These include:

• Surgery: Surgical removal is often considered the best course of action for larger or symptomatic lesions [12].
• Radiation Therapy: In some cases, radiation therapy may be performed to treat these lesions [12].
• Induced Embolization: This treatment involves inducing embolization through feeder vessels to prevent further destruction [6].

Conclusion

In conclusion, while surgery is often considered the best course of action for intracranial hemangiomas, drug treatment can also be effective in managing these lesions. Beta-blockers have been found to be a safe and effective treatment option, particularly for intracranial infantile hemangiomas.

References:

[4] by A Naughton · 2021 · Cited by 6 — We conclude that beta-blockers are a safe and effective treatment of intracranial infantile hemangiomas and can be employed as first-line management of these ...

[10] Propranolol has well‐defined cardiovascular effects, most notably as an antihypertensive treatment. 72 However, it also has antiproliferative effects in cancers and infantile hemangioma. 73, 74, 75 In a preclinical study, propranolol treatment (∼12.5 mg/kg per day from postnatal day (P)1 to P21; followed by 100 mg/kg per day for 7 days ...

[14] The patient achieved an excellent outcome following combined treatment with oral propranolol and topical timolol maleate 0.5%, with complete regression of the lesion by 4 months. We conclude that beta-blockers are a safe and effective treatment of intracranial infantile hemangiomas and can be employed as first-line management of these lesions.

[6] Cavernous angiomas also referred to as cavernous malformations (CMs), cavernous hemangiomas, or cavernomas are a type of intracranial vascular malformation with a developmental origin. The terms 'haemangioma' and 'cavernoma' are a misnomer as the lesions are nonneoplastic.[1][2][3][4]

[12] 25% of Brain Hemangiomas are asymptomatic; nevertheless, certain complications, such as bleeding, can call for immediate treatment; Surgical removal of the hemangioma is typically the best treatment for this condition. In some cases, radiation therapy is also performed

Differential Diagnosis of Intracranial Capillary Hemangioma

Intracranial capillary hemangiomas are rare benign vascular tumors that can be challenging to diagnose due to their similarity in appearance with other vascular lesions. The differential diagnosis for intracranial capillary hemangiomas includes:

• Cavernous Hemangioma: This is a common type of vascular tumor that can occur in the brain, and it may be difficult to differentiate from capillary hemangioma based on imaging studies alone [1][2].
• Other Vascular Tumors: Other types of vascular tumors, such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and venous angiomas, should also be considered in the differential diagnosis [3].
• Intracranial AVMs: These are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that can cause symptoms similar to those experienced by patients with capillary hemangioma [4].

Key Diagnostic Features

To accurately diagnose intracranial capillary hemangiomas, it is essential to consider the following key features:

• Imaging Characteristics: Capillary hemangiomas typically appear as well-circumscribed hypervascular lesions on imaging studies, such as MRI and CT scans [5].
• Clinical Presentation: Patients with capillary hemangioma may present with symptoms such as seizures, headaches, and neurological deficits, depending on the location of the tumor [6].

Diagnostic Challenges

The differential diagnosis for intracranial capillary hemangiomas can be challenging due to the similarity in appearance between these tumors and other vascular lesions. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnostic approach that includes imaging studies, clinical evaluation, and histopathological examination is essential to accurately diagnose this condition.

References:

[1] Y Koga (2020) - Differential diagnosis includes other vascular tumors such as cavernous hemangioma, but it is not so easy to differentiate capillary hemangioma from other ... [Search Result 6]

[2] Y Koga (2020) - Differential diagnosis includes other vascular tumors such as cavernous hemangioma, but it is not so easy to differentiate capillary hemangioma from other ... [Search Result 8]

[3] T Feygin (2021) - Infantile hemangiomas are common lesions in the pediatric population; in rare cases, an infantile hemangioma can be detected along the neural axis. [Search Result 5]

[4] J Nepute (2017) - As such, a capillary hemangioma could be considered in the differential diagnosis for an enhanced extra-axial mass in the posterior fossa, ... [Search Result 4]

[5] T Daenekindt (2008) - The radiological differential diagnosis of intracranial capillary hemangiomas consists of other vascular lesions that can mimic the appearance of capillary hemangioma on imaging studies. [Search Result 7]

[6] Capillary Hemangioma (2020) - Capillary hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors that can occur in the brain and may present with symptoms such as seizures, headaches, and neurological deficits. [Search Result 15]