Management of cavernous malformations in the pediatric population

The management of cavernous malformations (CMs) in a child is similar in ma ny ways to that of CMs in an adult. There are specific general principles t hat need to be considered when approaching these lesions in children, howev er. The long life span anticipated in the pediatric patient may favor an ag gressive surgical approach for single, small asymptomatic cavernous malform ations or for certain symptomatic lesions in eloquent locations. The observ ed history of a given malformation may be the best guide to determine its t reatment. The authors discuss some of these principles and review their exp erience with a series of children who have presented for management of cere bral CM.