Cavernous malformations of the brain and modern views on their treatment

Abstract

Cavernous malformations of the brain have become an increasingly common pathology in recent years, thanks to the advancement of modern methods of neuroimaging. Despite the benign nature of the course in most cases, these formations can cause convulsions and serious neurological disorders. Typically, clinical manifestations are caused by hemorrhages in the structure of the cavernous and surrounding parenchyma of the brain. The management strategy chosen for patients with cerebral cavernous malformations is determined by the type of malformation, its size, localization, the presence of repeated hemorrhages, and the clinical picture. This literature review focuses on modern methods of treating cerebral cavernous malformations. The main methods of treatment for cavernous malformations of the brain, particularly surgical treatment, have been analyzed. If surgical intervention is not possible, alternative methods of treatment include radiation therapy, such as stereotaxic radiosurgery, and proton therapy, in cases of deep location of foci in functionally significant areas of the brain, which are characterized by the highest risk of complications. Thе possibilities, efficacy, and safety of stereotactic radiosurgical treatment are discussed, as well as the use of proton therapy in the treatment of cavernous malformations. Furthermore, radiation therapy has been shown to be beneficial for cavernous malformations.