Molecular genetics of familial cerebral cavernous malformations

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CMs) are angiographically occult neurovascular lesions that consist of enlarged vascular channels without intervening normal parenchyma. Cavernous malformations can occur as sporadic or autosomal- dominant inherited conditions. Approximately 50% of Hispanic patients with cerebral CMs have the familial form, compared with 10 to 20% of Caucasian patients. There is no difference in the pathological findings or presentation in the sporadic and familial forms. To date, familial CMs have been attributed to mutations at three different loci: CCM1 on 7q21.2, CCM2 on 7p15-p13, or CCM3 on 3q25.2-q27. The authors summarize the current understanding of the molecular events underlying familial CMs.