Investigation of thunderclap headache in cavernous angioma: when magnetic resonance makes the difference. Case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Brain magnetic resonance is a major exam to evaluate thunderclap headache, after excluding subarachnoid hemorrhage. This study aimed at reporting a case of brainstem cavernous angioma (cavernoma) where clinical presentation and computerized tomography have suggested intraventricular hemorrhage. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 55 years, was referred to the hospital with a history of new headache 10 days ago. Pain onset was sudden, pressure-type, severe, located in the occipital region with irradiation throughout the head, followed by severe photophobia, nauseas, diplopia and blurred vision. Neurological evaluation has revealed anisocoria, complete ophthalmoplegia and right eyelid ptosis. Cranial CT has shown blood in the third ventricle. Conventional brain arteriography has not shown aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation or venous sinus thrombosis. At lumbar puncture, an opening water pressure of 45cm was found and liquor analysis was normal. Brain resonance has shown oval lesion (1.0x1.0x0.6cm) of exophytic aspect in the interpeduncular cistern and third ventricle, compatible with brainstem cavernoma. CONCLUSION: In this case, magnetic resonance was essential for the diagnosis, since routine exams (brain tomography, liquor puncture and arteriography) could not define it. Further studies are needed to explain how magnetic resonance impacts investigation.