Cavernous malformations of the nervous system

"Questions regarding the nature and appropriate management of cavernous malformation (CM) have clouded researchers and those faced with making clinical decisions for several decades. CMs may be seen as an incidental finding on MRI studies, or they may present with symptoms, such as seizures or intracranial hemorrhage, often causing severe neurologic deficit. Cavernous Malformations of the Nervous System provides a comprehensive and authoritative review of the current practice in diagnosis and management of these cerebrovascular disorders. Emphasis has been laid on the understanding of basic sciences with chapters committed to understanding of CCM1, 2 and 3 genes and their role in CCM biology, as well as clinical genetics. Controversial topics which continue to pose treatment challenges such as safety of anticoagulation and prophylactic management during pregnancy are also discussed. This book will be of interest to basic science researchers, neurosurgeons and vascular neurologists both in academic institutions and private practice"--

"The histological features of CMs are best understood in the context of normal vascular anatomy. Normal cerebral blood vessels are lined by endothelial cells joined by tight junctions. The endothelial layer is surrounded by a basal lamina. While capillaries have just the endothelial cell layer, all other vessels have one or more layers of smooth muscle cells as well as some pericytes immediately adjacent to the endothelial cells. Surrounding the entire vessel are astrocytic endfeet which comprise the glia limitans. Together, the endothelial cells, their tight junctions, and the astrocytic endfeet form the morphologic basis of the blood-brain barrier"--