Cerebral cavernous malformations

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) diagnosis occurs more frequently than some years ago, due to the increased diffusion of magnetic resonance imaging. Progress in knowledge on genetical and molecular pathogenesis may change management strategy of these patients allowing more tailored approaches. Moreover, treatment techniques and expertise are evolving too. Lesions deserving treatment, a better approach to follow-up and screening, treatment management and what could be expected from it – all these issues have a growing importance and need a multidisciplinary data sharing and discussion. Prevention of rebleeding in eloquent areas and management of resistant seizures in CCM patients are key targets of CCM treatment.
Aims of this volume is to provide a window on several points of view from biological aspects, through diagnostic methods and treatment approaches, ranging from observation to surgery and radiosurgery. A pharmacological approach to prevent bleeding of CCM and possibly their regression is also being investigated at an experimental level. The surgical approach is particularly challenging since CCM are small lesions which require a very precise, minimally invasive and targeted approach based on the specific anatomic location, which might become especially demanding in eloquent areas or in the brainstem.
This volume is addressed to experienced neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, geneticists, molecular biologists and all neuroscientists interested in cerebrovascular lesions. The authors auspicate that the present studies can provide a starting point for further developments and interesting discussions and perhaps encourage collaboration among referral centers for CCM, also involving other researchers and colleagues who can help CCM patients.