IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Pontine cavernous hemangioma

Case contributed by Fakhry Mahmoud Ebouda
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Incidental finding within a routine exam.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years.
Gender: Male
mri

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. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.