scholarly journals The pathogenetic features of cerebral cavernous malformations: a comprehensive review with therapeutic implications

2010 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. E2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled M. Krisht ◽  
Kevin J. Whitehead ◽  
Toba Niazi ◽  
William T. Couldwell
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Therapeutic Modality ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Mice Model ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Therapeutic Implications ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Shed Light

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are common vascular lesions of the CNS that may lead to seizures, focal neurological deficits, and fatal hemorrhagic stroke. Human genetic studies have identified 3 genes associated with CCM, and biochemical and molecular studies in mice have elucidated signaling pathways with important therapeutic implications. In this review, the authors shed light on the 3 discovered CCM genes as well as their protein products, with particular emphasis on their signal transduction pathways and their interaction with one another. Close focus is directed at mice model studies involving the Ccm2 gene product signaling pathway, revealing an important role for the use of simvastatin or other RhoA inhibitors as a therapeutic modality in the treatment of CCM. The remaining challenges to creating a more faithful CCM animal model as well as future clinical and research implications are reviewed.

Effective surgical treatment of cerebral cavernous malformations: a multicenter study of 79 pediatric patients

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 522-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Hugelshofer ◽  
Nicola Acciarri ◽  
Ulrich Sure ◽  
Dimitrios Georgiadis ◽  
Ralf W. Baumgartner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Refractory Epilepsy ◽  
Epileptic Seizures ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Brain

Object Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are common vascular lesions in the brain, affecting approximately 0.5% of the population and representing 10%–20% of all cerebral vascular lesions. One-quarter of all CCMs affect pediatric patients, and CCMs are reported as one of the main causes of brain hemorrhage in this age group. Symptoms include epileptic seizures, headache, and focal neurological deficits. Patients with symptomatic CCMs can be treated either conservatively or with resection if lesions cause medically refractory epilepsy or other persistent symptoms. Methods The authors retrospectively analyzed 79 pediatric patients (41 boys and 38 girls) from 3 different centers, who were surgically treated for their symptomatic CCMs between 1974 and 2004. The mean age of the children at first manifestation was 9.7 years, and the mean age at operation was 11.3 years. The main goal was to compare the clinical outcomes with respect to the location of the lesion of children who preoperatively suffered from epileptic seizures. Results Of these patients, 77.3% were seizure free (Engel Class I) after the resection of the CCM. Significant differences in the outcome between children who harbored CCMs at different locations were not found. Conclusions Resection seems to be the favorable treatment of symptomatic CCMs not only in adults but also in children.

scholarly journals Cerebral Cavernous Malformations, Developmental Venous Anomaly, and Its Coexistence: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 360-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pretty Sara Idiculla ◽  
Dhineshreddy Gurala ◽  
Jobin Philipose ◽  
Kartikeya Rajdev ◽  
Prateek Patibandla
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Vascular Malformations ◽  
Incidental Finding ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Developmental Venous Anomaly ◽  
Venous Anomaly ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Acute Thrombosis

Background: Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are intracranial vascular malformations that can exist as a single lesion or mixed vascular lesions. The most common mixed form is the coexistence of CCM with an associated developmental venous anomaly (DVA). In this paper, we aim to give a comprehensive review of CCM, DVA, and their coexistence as mixed lesions. A PubMed search using the keywords “Cerebral cavernous malformations, Developmental venous anomaly, Mixed Cerebral cavernous malformations with Developmental venous anomaly” was done. All studies in the English language in the past 10 years were analyzed descriptively for this review. Summary: The search yielded 1,249 results for “Cerebral cavernous malformations,” 271 results for “Developmental venous anomaly,” and 5 results for “Mixed Cerebral cavernous malformations with Developmental venous anomaly.” DVA is the most common intracranial vascular malformation, followed by CCM. CCM can have a wide array of clinical presentations like hemorrhage, seizures, or focal neurological deficits or can also be an incidental finding on brain imaging. DVAs are benign lesions by nature; however, venous infarction can occur in a few patients due to acute thrombosis. Mixed CCM with DVA has a higher risk of hemorrhage. CCMs are angiographically occult lesion, and cerebral digital subtraction angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of DVA. Mixed lesions, on the other hand, are best diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging, which has also been effective in detecting specific abnormalities. Asymptomatic lesions are treated through a conservative approach, while clinically symptomatic lesions need surgical management. Conclusion: Individual CCM or DVA lesions have a benign course; however, when they coexist in the same individual, the hemorrhagic risk is increased, which prompts for rapid diagnosis and treatment.

scholarly journals Sporadic Cerebral Cavernous Malformations: Report of Further Mutations of CCM Genes in 40 Italian Patients

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalia D’Angelo ◽  
Concetta Alafaci ◽  
Concetta Scimone ◽  
Alessia Ruggeri ◽  
Francesco Maria Salpietro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mutation Screening ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Incomplete Penetrance ◽  
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Dominant Condition ◽  
Italian Cohort ◽  
New Mutations

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions characterized by abnormally enlarged capillary cavities, affecting the central nervous system. CCMs can occur sporadically or as a familial autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance and variable clinical expression attributable to mutations in three different genes:CCM1(K-Rev interaction trapped 1 (KRIT1)),CCM2(MGC4607), andCCM3(PDCD10). CCMs occur as a single or multiple malformations that can lead to seizures, focal neurological deficits, hemorrhagic stroke, and headache. However, patients are frequently asymptomatic. In our previous mutation screening, performed in a cohort of 95 Italian patients, both sporadic and familial, we have identified several mutations in CCM genes, three of which in three distinct sporadic patients. In this study, representing further molecular screening of the three CCM genes, in a south Italian cohort of CCM patients enrolled by us in the last three years, we report the identification of other four new mutations in 40 sporadic patients with either single or multiple CCM.

scholarly journals Supratentorial cerebral cavernous malformations: clinical, surgical, and genetic involvement

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Antonio D'Angelo ◽  
Costanzo De Bonis ◽  
Rosina Amoroso ◽  
Alessandro Calì ◽  
Leonardo D'Agruma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Management Algorithm ◽  
Screening Protocol

Object Although there is general agreement on the methods of treatment for symptomatic supratentorial cerebral cavernous malformations (CMs) located in noneloquent areas, some controversy exists regarding the management of cerebral CMs that are asymptomatic and/or located in eloquent or deep areas. Moreover, recent advances in genetic findings could influence both standard clinical management and the follow-up strategy in affected individuals. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop, based on the authors' experience and a literature review, a management algorithm to deal with supratentorial cerebral CMs. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical data related to 118 patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic supratentorial cerebral CMs at their institution. Twenty-eight of 118 patients harbored multiple lesions, and nine of these 28 patients had a clinically positive familial history. Genetic investigations were performed in 89 patients (75%). Conclusions Surgery for supratentorial cerebral CMs in noneloquent locations is safe and curative. In cerebral CMs located in deep and eloquent areas and with symptoms including progressive neurological deficits, evidence of hemorrhage, and uncontrolled seizures, surgical treatment according to an integrated plan based on frameless stereotactic guidance and functional magnetic resonance imaging is recommended and results in acceptably low morbidity. The data support the need for long-term imaging follow up in all patients, careful preoperative vascular studies to detect associated venous anomalies, and the importance of genetic mutational analysis. The DNA screening protocol will change the care of family members of patients with familial forms of cerebral CMs, because affected asymptomatic family members may benefit by early detection of lesions. At the same time, the exclusion of family members who are not carriers of the mutation as members of the population at risk reduces the economic and psychological burden of clinical and instrumental monitoring.

scholarly journals Developmental timing of CCM2 loss influences cerebral cavernous malformations in mice

2011 ◽  
Vol 208 (9) ◽  
pp. 1835-1847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwénola Boulday ◽  
Noemi Rudini ◽  
Luigi Maddaluno ◽  
Anne Blécon ◽  
Minh Arnould ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autosomal Dominant ◽  
Vascular Malformations ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Developmental Timing ◽  
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Dominant Condition

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) are vascular malformations of the central nervous system (CNS) that lead to cerebral hemorrhages. Familial CCM occurs as an autosomal dominant condition caused by loss-of-function mutations in one of the three CCM genes. Constitutive or tissue-specific ablation of any of the Ccm genes in mice previously established the crucial role of Ccm gene expression in endothelial cells for proper angiogenesis. However, embryonic lethality precluded the development of relevant CCM mouse models. Here, we show that endothelial-specific Ccm2 deletion at postnatal day 1 (P1) in mice results in vascular lesions mimicking human CCM lesions. Consistent with CCM1/3 involvement in the same human disease, deletion of Ccm1/3 at P1 in mice results in similar CCM lesions. The lesions are located in the cerebellum and the retina, two organs undergoing intense postnatal angiogenesis. Despite a pan-endothelial Ccm2 deletion, CCM lesions are restricted to the venous bed. Notably, the consequences of Ccm2 loss depend on the developmental timing of Ccm2 ablation. This work provides a highly penetrant and relevant CCM mouse model.

scholarly journals The natural history of cerebral cavernous malformations in children

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley A. Gross ◽  
Rose Du ◽  
Darren B. Orbach ◽  
R. Michael Scott ◽  
Edward R. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Family History ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Similar Data ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Neurological Morbidity ◽  
History Of

OBJECT Cerebral cavernous malformations (CMs) are a source of neurological morbidity from seizures and focal neurological deficits due to mass effect and hemorrhage. Although several natural history reports exist for adults with CMs, similar data for pediatric patients are limited. METHODS The authors reviewed hospital databases to identify children with CMs who had not been treated surgically and who had clinical and radiological follow-up. Annual hemorrhage rates were calculated in lesion-years, and risk factors were assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS In a cohort of 167 patients with 222 CMs, the mean patient age at the time of diagnosis was 10.1 years old (SD 6.0). Ninety patients (54%) were male. One hundred four patients (62%) presented with hemorrhage from at least 1 CM, 58 (35%) with seizures with or without CM hemorrhage, and 43 (26%) with incidental lesions. Twenty-five patients (15%) had multiple CMs, 17 (10%) had a family history of CMs, and 33 (20%) had radiologically apparent developmental venous anomalies (DVAs). The overall annual hemorrhage rate was 3.3%. Permanent neurological morbidity was 29% per hemorrhage, increasing to 45% for brainstem, thalamic, or basal ganglia CM and decreasing to 15% for supratentorial lobar or cerebellar lesions. The annual hemorrhage rate for incidental CMs was 0.5%; for hemorrhagic CMs, it was 11.3%, increasing to 18.2% within the first 3 years. Hemorrhage clustering within 3 years was statistically significant (HR 6.1, 95% CI 1.72–21.7, p = 0.005). On multivariate analysis, hemorrhagic presentation (HR 4.63, 95% CI 1.53–14.1, p = 0.007), brainstem location (HR 4.42, 95% CI 1.57–12.4, p = 0.005), and an associated radiologically apparent DVA (HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.04–8.09, p = 0.04) emerged as significant risk factors for hemorrhage, whereas age, sex, CM multiplicity, and CM family history did not. CONCLUSIONS Prior hemorrhage, brainstem location, and associated DVAs are significant risk factors for symptomatic hemorrhage in children with CMs. Hemorrhage clustering within the first 3 years of a bleed can occur, a potentially important factor in patient management and counseling.

Bringing CCM into a dish: cell culture models for cerebral cavernous malformations

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-259
Author(s):  
Dariush Skowronek ◽  
Robin A. Pilz ◽  
Konrad Schwefel ◽  
Christiane D. Much ◽  
Ute Felbor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Disease Genes ◽  
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
High Throughput Drug Screening ◽  
Culture Models ◽  
Cell Culture Models

Abstract Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions that can cause severe neurological complications due to intracranial hemorrhage. Although the CCM disease genes, CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3, have been known for more than 15 years now, our understanding of CCM pathogenesis is still incomplete. CCM research currently focuses on three main disease mechanisms: (1) clonal expansion of endothelial cells with biallelic inactivation of CCM1, CCM2, or CCM3, (2) recruitment of cells with preserved CCM protein expression into the growing lesion, and (3) disruption of endothelial cell–cell junctions in CCMs. We here describe novel CRISPR/Cas9-based in vitro models of CCM and discuss their strengths and limitations in the context of high-throughput drug screening and repurposing approaches.

scholarly journals Cerebral cavernous malformations and epilepsy

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Issam Awad ◽  
Pascal Jabbour
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Therapeutic Intervention ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Chronic Epilepsy ◽  
Seizure Disorders ◽  
Similar Lesion ◽  
Clinically Significant

✓Seizures and epilepsy are frequent clinical manifestations of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) and represent the most common symptomatic presentation of supratentorial lesions. Clinicians often diagnose CCMs in patients after a first seizure, or in some cases after obtaining neuroimaging studies in patients suffering from chronic epilepsy previously thought to be idiopathic. In some cases, the lesion is clinically significant solely because of its epileptogenicity, but in others there may be concern about potential hemorrhage or focal neurological deficits from a similar lesion. The authors present current pathophysiological concepts related to epilepsy associated with CCMs. They discuss the spectrum of seizure disorders associated with these lesions and review the natural history, prognosis, and options for therapeutic intervention.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for symptomatic solitary cerebral cavernous malformations considered high risk for resection

2010 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Dade Lunsford ◽  
Aftab A. Khan ◽  
Ajay Niranjan ◽  
Hideyuki Kano ◽  
John C. Flickinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
Radiation Effects ◽  
Brain Structures ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Safe Procedure ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Risk Of Hemorrhage

Object A retrospective study was conducted to reassess the benefit and safety of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with solitary cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) that bleed repeatedly and are poor candidates for surgical removal. Methods Between 1988 and 2005 at the University of Pittsburgh, the authors performed SRS in 103 evaluable patients (57 males and 46 females) with solitary symptomatic CCMs. The mean patient age was 39.3 years. Ninety-eight percent of these patients had experienced 2 or more hemorrhages associated with new neurological deficits. Seventeen patients (16.5%) had undergone attempted resection before radiosurgery. Ninety-three CCMs were located in deep brain structures and 10 were in subcortical lobar areas of functional brain importance. The median malformation volume was 1.31 ml, and the median tumor margin dose was 16 Gy. Results The follow-up ranged from 2 to 20 years. The annual hemorrhage rate—that is, a new neurological deficit associated with imaging evidence of a new hemorrhage—before SRS was 32.5%. After SRS 22 hemorrhages were observed within 2 years (10.8% annual hemorrhage rate) and 4 hemorrhages were observed after 2 years (1.06% annual hemorrhage rate). The risk of hemorrhage from a CCM was significantly reduced after radiosurgery (p < 0.0001). Overall, new neurological deficits due to adverse radiation effects following SRS developed in 14 patients (13.5%), with most occurring early in our experience. Modifications in technique (treatment volume within the T2-weighted MR imaging–defined margin, use of MR imaging, and dose reduction for CCM in critical brainstem locations) further reduced risks after SRS. Conclusions Data in this study provide further evidence that SRS is a relatively safe procedure that reduces the rebleeding rate for CCMs located in high-surgical-risk areas of the brain.

LONG-TERM OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE CEREBRAL CAVERNOUS MALFORMATIONS

Neurosurgery ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 450-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juri Kivelev ◽  
Mika Niemelä ◽  
Riku Kivisaari ◽  
Reza Dashti ◽  
Aki Laakso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family History ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean

Abstract OBJECTIVE Multiple cerebral cavernous malformations (MCCMs) typically occur in patients with a family history of these lesions. Literature on MCCMs is scarce, and little is known about their natural history. METHODS Of 264 consecutive patients with cerebral cavernomas treated at the Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, in the past 27 years, 33 patients had MCCMs. Lesions were categorized according to the Zabramski classification scale. Follow-up questionnaires were sent to all patients. Outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale, and amelioration of epilepsy was assessed using the Engel scale. All clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS The mean age of patients at diagnosis was 44 years. Sex presentation was almost equal. Nine percent of all patients had a family history of the disease. Patients presented with epilepsy, acute headache, and focal neurological deficits. MCCMs were incidental findings in 2 patients. Altogether, 416 cavernomas were found: 70% supratentorial and 30% infratentorial. Fifteen patients had symptomatic hemorrhage before admission to our department. Surgery was performed on 18 patients. In most cases, the largest cavernoma was removed. Postoperatively, 1 patient experienced temporary hemiparesis, and another developed permanent motor dysphasia. No mortalities occurred. The mean follow-up time was 7.7 years. Twenty-six patients (79%) were in good condition. Among patients with epilepsy who underwent lesionectomy, 70% had an Engel class I outcome. On follow-up magnetic resonance imaging, 52 de novo cavernomas were found. CONCLUSION Surgical treatment of patients with MCCMs is safe. An extirpation of the clinically active cavernoma prevents further bleedings and improves outcome of epilepsy.

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