Cavernous malformations, also called cavernous angiomas and cavernomas, are abnormal clusters of dilated blood vessels. The walls of these vessels are generally weak and are prone to leaking blood. These malformations can cause seizures, stroke symptoms, hemorrhages and headache. They can also remain asymptomatic and not require any treatment.
Ranging in size from microscopic to inches in diameter, cavernous malformations can be located anywhere in the body including the liver, rectum, kidney, eyes, nerves, spinal cord and brain. Those that develop in the brain or spinal cord, called cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM), are the most serious.
About one in 200 people have a cavernous malformation, affecting men and women almost equally and occurring in people of all races, sexes and ages. In some cases, these malformations may run in families and are inherited.
UCSF is designated a Clinical Center of Excellence in Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM) by the Angioma Alliance. UCSF is the only institution in California, and one of only six in the nation, to earn this designation.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Due to the rarity and complexity of CCM, treatment requires coordination among multiple medical specialists. Led by Ethan Winkler, MD, PhD, and Nerissa Ko, MD, the UCSF Clinical Center of Excellence in Cerebral Cavernous Malformations includes a coordinated team of nationally recognized and specially trained physician experts from multiple specialties. Team members all have extensive experience in CCM and take a comprehensive approach to the screening, diagnosis and treatment of the condition. CCM is usually diagnosed by MRI and cerebral angiogram, and treatment with surgery can be curative. UCSF is one of the highest volume referral centers for CCM in the Western United States, giving our team vast experience with this disease.
Team
Ethan Winkler, MD, PhD
Neurosurgeon
Co-Director, CCM Center of Excellence
Nerissa Ko, MD
Neurologist
Co-Director, CCM Center of Excellence
Kurtis Auguste, MD
Pediatric Neurosurgeon
Christine Fox, MD
Pediatric Neurologist
Heather Fullerton, MD
Pediatric Neurologist
Director, UCSF Pediatric Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease Center
Nalin Gupta, MD, PhD
Pediatric Neurosurgeon
Chief of Pediatric Neurological Surgery
Referrals and Scheduling
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