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Giant cerebral cavernous malformation in a newborn: a rare case report and review of literature

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Abstract

Background

Cavernous malformations (CMs), also known as cavernomas or cavernous angiomas, are vascular malformations characterized by sinusoidal spaces lined by endothelial cells. Giant CMs (GCMs) are extremely rare, with limited understanding of their presentation and management. We present a case of symptomatic GCM in a newborn and review the literature on this rare entity.

Case description

A 1-month-old newborn presented with focal seizures and signs of increased intracranial pressure. Imaging revealed a massive right frontal-parietal GCM, prompting surgical resection. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cerebral cavernous malformation. The patient recovered well postoperatively with no neurological deficits.

Conclusions

GCMs are exceedingly rare in children and have not been reported in newborns until now. Symptoms typically include seizures and mass effects. Gross total resection is the standard treatment, offering favorable outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the natural history and optimal management of GCMs, particularly in newborns, emphasizing the importance of heightened clinical awareness for timely diagnosis and appropriate management.

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No datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Hospital del Niño Francisco Icaza Bustamante, Guayaquil, Ecuador

    Ismael Moreno

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Garibaldi Hospital, Catania, Italy

    Gianluca Scalia

  3. Department of Neurosurgery, Cannizaro Hospital, Catania, Italy

    Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana

  4. Department of Pediatric, Hospital Del Niño Francisco Icaza Bustamante, Guayaquil, Ecuador

    Ciro Soriano & Isis Alcivar

  5. Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Clinic, Birgunj, Nepal

    Bipin Chaurasia

Authors
  1. Ismael Moreno
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  2. Gianluca Scalia
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  3. Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana
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  4. Ciro Soriano
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  5. Isis Alcivar
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  6. Bipin Chaurasia
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All authors equally contributed to the paper.

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Correspondence to Bipin Chaurasia.

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Moreno, I., Scalia, G., Umana, G.E. et al. Giant cerebral cavernous malformation in a newborn: a rare case report and review of literature. Childs Nerv Syst (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-024-06401-z

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