Orbital and cerebral cavernomas: comparison of clinical, neuroimaging, andneuropathological features

Our results with 15 orbital cavernomas showed that there are important diff erences in comparison with cerebral cavernomas: in contrast all orbital cav ernomas were embedded by a lilac hard and compact capsule. Clinical symptom s were characterized by the growth of the orbital cavernomas. There were no signs of hemorrhage, which is typical for cerebral cavernomas. The latter showed in contrast to orbital cavernomas a degenerated collagenous tissue f orming the vessel walls. The capsule of the orbital cavernomas can be prove d by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Because of its tendency to lead to i rreversible loss of visual acuity, we recommend early surgery after the ons et of symptoms.