Presentation
Incidental finding within a routine exam.
Patient Data
Cavernoma in the pons. It shows a typical 'popcorn ball' shape with an associated surrounding rim of signal loss due to hemosiderin. The lesion is heterogenously hyperintense on T1 and T2 weighted sequences.
Case Discussion
MRI is considered the modality of choice in demonstrating a characteristic “popcorn” or "berry" appearance of cavernous malformation. It is a rim of signal loss due to hemosiderin, which demonstrates prominent blooming on susceptibility weighted sequences. T1 and T2 signal show variation in signal apperaance internally depending on the age of the blood produces and small fluid/ fluid levels that may be evident. Cavernous malformation is angiographically occult and does not demonstrate arteriovenous shunting.