Definition and Structure of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations

Cavernomas have various different names. Cerebral cavernoma, cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), cryptic angioma, cavernous hemangioma, and cavernous angioma are well used and sometimes confused in terms of nomenclature. As these lesions are not neoplastic, it has been argued that the terms ‘hemangioma’ and ‘cavernoma’ should be avoided. Additionally, it is important to note that according to newer nomenclature (ISSVA classification of vascular anomalies), these lesions are known as slow flow venous malformations [1]. It is probably helpful in reports to include the word ‘cavernous’ as this term is ubiquitous in the literature and most familiar to many clinicians. Therefore, the term ‘cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs)’ are recommended and used in this chapter [1–6].