Cavernous angiomas (cavernomas) of the cavernous sinus are uncommon, with only scattered reports in literature. Unlike their parenchymatous counterparts, they are intensely enhancing para-sellar masses, iso/hypointense in T1- and hyperintense in T2-weighted images. Differential diagnosis with para-sellar meningiomas and schwannomas can be difficult. We report three cases of this condition, describing findings of diffusion-weighted imaging in this kind of lesion for the first time in literature.
Abstract
Three cases of extracerebral cavernous angiomas of the cavernous sinus in the middle fossa are reported. These are rare lesions that primarily affect women and are usually associated with acute or subacute onset of visual symptoms: diplopia, exophthalmos, and decreased visual acuity. The growth of the lesion often erodes the bone in the area of the cavernous sinus. Angiography usually depicts a vascular mass. The lesions represent a formidable surgical problem because of their tendency to cause intraoperative life-threatening hemorrhages. Morbidity and mortality can be drastically reduced by not attempting to resect the lesion further after biopsy and by giving a course of radiation therapy before definitive surgical treatment.
Cavernous angioma of the cavernous sinus: imaging findings
