A Rare Case of Acute Hemichorea with Conduction Aphasia due to Cavernous Malformation

Abstract

Chorea secondary to cavernous malformation (CM) is uncommon and deficits can vary depending on the degree of involvement of surrounding structures. Unlike other vascular malformations, CM is not encapsulated. Therefore, hemorrhages from a CM can extend to involve adjacent brain structures. We present here a rare case of acute hemichorea with conduction aphasia due to hemorrhagic conversion of a CM, its diagnostic work up, and successful therapy. We demonstrate lesion-behavior mapping, combining both structural and functional data to elucidate the pathophysiology of this presentation.