De novo development of presumed cavernomas following resolution of E. Coli subdural empyemas

Abstract

Cavernomas fall within the group of angiographically occult lesions and may be found in up to 4 % of the population [1]. They may occur at any age, and with the advent of MRI incidental cavernomas are increasingly identified. The pathogenesis is uncertain. Familial cases are well recognised with a reported prevalence of 10–15 % [2–3]. The incidence of new lesions has been reported at 0.4 lesions per patient per year in cases with familial cavernomas [4]. Presumed cavernomas have been documented following radiation for malignancy [5–6], and sterotactic cerebral biopsy [7]. There have been no previously documented cases of de novo genesis of cavernomas following bacterial meningitis and subdural empyemas.