What are cavernous angiomas characterized by?

Cavernous angiomas are characterized as multi-lobulated lesions that often contain hemorrhage. These vascular malformations are made up of enlarged, thin-walled blood vessels and can have a significant amount of blood within them. This feature of containing hemorrhage is important because it relates to the potential for bleeding, which can lead to neurological deficits or seizures depending on their location in the brain or spinal cord. Cavernous angiomas can appear as spongy masses on imaging studies and are typically diagnosed through MRI, which can show the “popcorn-like” appearance due to their lobulated structure and associated blood products.

Recognizing the characteristics of cavernous angiomas is crucial in the context of intraoperative monitoring, as understanding these lesions helps in anticipating potential complications during surgical intervention. While other options describe different types of masses or conditions, they do not accurately reflect the defining features of cavernous angiomas, which are specifically noted for their lobulated structure and the presence of hemorrhage.