J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1988 Oct;17(5):1065-1072.

Chronic Encapsulated Intracerebral Hematomas: So Called Chocolate Cysts

• Lee JC
• Son EI
• Kim DW
• Lee JK
• Yim MB
• Kim IH

Abstract

Five cases of chronic encapsulated intracerebral hematomas(so called "chocolate cysts") presented slowly progressive neurological deficits and hence mimicked brain tumors. The median duration of symptoms was 21 days. The first symptoms were severe headache and vomiting. At one case generalized seizure was noted. Computed tomography almost consistently demonstrated ring shaped lesions with central high density and minimal perifocal edema. Cerebral angiographic studies showed avascular mass lesions. All cases had superficial white matter lesions. Soft, well-encapsulated, organized, large intracerebral hematomas were removed surgically. Arteriovenous malformations were detected in two cases. All cases recovered completely but at one case postoperative brain swelling was noted transiently. Increasing awareness of "chocolate cyst" as a clinical and pathological entiry was necessary.

Keyword

Chocolate cyst; Intracerebral hematoma; Arteriovenous malformation; Computed tomography

MeSH Terms

Arteriovenous Malformations
Brain Edema
Brain Neoplasms
Cacao*
Edema
Headache
Hematoma*
Seizures
Vomiting