Brainstem Cavernous Malformations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Our findings largely reflect the cohort of hemorrhagic or symptomatic BSCMs for which microsurgical resection is generally associated with more favorable outcomes, including lower rates of recurrence, rebleeding, and mortality, when compared with radiosurgery and conservative care. Caution is warranted in extrapolating to incidental or asymptomatic lesions. Future research should also integrate advanced imaging and molecular approaches to refine risk stratification and guide management.