Hypothalamic cavernoma (A unique case observation)

Abstract

Cavernomas are vascular malformations that occur commonly in cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem, being rare in occurrence within the hypothalamus having only 29 cases known in the literature. They may be clinically asymptomatic or present with symptoms of headache, seizures, hemorrhage, or focal neurologic deficits. The gold standard for diagnosing a cavernoma is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The management strategies for hypothalamic cavernoma are expectant, medical, and surgical, along with laser ablation and radiosurgery. Our case is of a 17-years old female who presented with headache and reduced vision secondary to hypothalamic cavernoma on diagnostic imaging. She is on expectant management till date, without worsening of her symptoms. As per the literature, there has been no data on conservatively-managed hypothalamic hamartomas.