Advanced Diffusion MRI in the Differential Diagnosis of Hemorrhagic Cavernous Malformations in the Brain: A Case Report

Cavernous malformations, low-flow vascular lesions predominantly found in the brain and occasionally in the spinal cord, can be congenital or acquired, with acquired forms often being single and congenital ones multiple. While many patients remain asymptomatic, hemorrhage from these lesions can lead to significant neurological symptoms. This case report describes a 35-year-old female with a hemorrhagic lesion in the right precentral gyrus, initially challenging to diagnose due to atypical imaging findings. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, including dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion and advanced diffusion methods, were employed to distinguish the lesion from other hemorrhagic conditions and suggested that the lesion is benign in nature. Follow-up MRI revealed regression of the hemorrhage and typical characteristics of a cavernous malformation. The case underscores the utility of advanced diffusion MRI techniques in differentiating hemorrhagic cavernous malformations from other pathologies, particularly in complex cases where conventional imaging may fall short.