Intracranial cavernous malformations

Cavernous malformations (CMs) are commonly recognized on CT and MR imaging in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. The diagnosis of CMs can often be made on MR imaging based on the characteristic morphology of the subacute and chronic blood products. Edema, mass effect, and peri-lesional hemorrhage may obscure the typical findings of a CM. This article reviews the literature on CMs with emphasis on imaging, natural history, de novo formation, familial occurrence, classification, and management.