[Deep-seated (corpus callosum, intraventricular, basal ganglia and insula) and brain stem cavernous angiomas. Experience in Brazil].

With a review of the literature, we report our experience with surgical treatment of deep-seated cavernomas (intraventricular, of the corpus callosum, the capsula interna, the insula and the brain stem). Outcome was good in all nine patients after surgery for deep-seated brain cavernomas. There we also 13 cases of the brain stem cavernomas treated surgically. Of them, nine patients were stabilized or improved, one patient worsened, one patient died and two were lost to follow-up. Whatever the location, surgery should only concern symptomatic or hemorrhagic lesions close to the pia-matter or the ependyma as well as those covered by a thin layer of parenchyma. Neuronavigation and microsurgical procedures are essential in the treatment of deep-seated cavernomas.