Original MRI classification of CCMs according to Zabramski et al3
| Lesion Type | MRI Signal Characteristics | Pathologic Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Type I | T1: hyperintense core | Subacute hemorrhage, surrounded by a rim of hemosiderin-stained macrophages and gliotic brain |
| T2: hyper- or hypointense core with surrounding hypointense rim | ||
| Type II | T1: reticulated mixed-signal core | Loculated areas of hemorrhage and thrombosis of varying ages, surrounded by gliotic, hemosiderin-stained brain; in large lesions, areas of calcification may be seen |
| T2: reticulated mixed-signal core with surrounding hypointense rim | ||
| Type III | T1: iso- or hypointense core | Chronic resolved hemorrhage, with hemosiderin staining within and around the lesion |
| T2: hypointense with a hypointense rim that magnifies the size of the lesion | ||
| GE: hypointense with greater magnification than T2 | ||
| Type IV | T1: poorly seen or not visualized at all | Two lesions in the category were pathologically documented as telangiectasias |
| T2: poorly seen or not visualized at all | ||
| GE: punctate hypointense lesions |