Hemorrhagic Brainstem Cavernous Malformations Treatment With Sirolimus: aSingle Centre, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Pilot Trial

The primary outcome is to explore the safety of sirolimus in the management of BSCMs.

A serious adverse event is an SAE occurring during any study phase that fullfils one or more of the following criteria: i. Results in death, ii. Is life-threatening, iii. Requires inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, iv. Results in persistent or significant disability/incapacity or substantial disruption of the ability to conduct normal life functions, v. Is an important medical event that may jeopardize the patient or may require medical intervention to prevent one of the outcomes listed above. SAE will be assessed at each follow-up visit (15 days, 2 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months). During the trial, participants can promptly report potential SAEs to the research team via the telephone. We will establish continuous, real-time communication with patients via the telephone, facilitating round-the-clock reporting of potential endpoints or adverse reactions to the clinical trial investigators.

We will measure the tolerability of sirolimus in the management of BSCMs.

Based on prior clinical experience and reports from sirolimus trials, adverse events (AE) have included oral ulcers, upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, respiratory illnesses, stomatitis, seizures, and fever. Other commonly reported AEs are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, and mild allergic reactions such as rash or itching. Minor infections, mild gastrointestinal disturbances, and fluctuations in blood pressure or heart rate have also been observed. Unanticipated Adverse Device Effect (UADE): Any serious adverse effect on health or safety or any life-threatening problem or death caused by or associated with sirolimus, if that effect, problem or death was not previously identified in nature, severity or degree of incidence in the investigational plan, or any other unanticipated serious problem associated with sirolimus that related to the rights, safety or welfare of subjects.

We will measure the occurrence of recurrent ICH from the BSCM within 24 months.

a. The primary efficacy outcome will be the occurrence of recurrent ICH from the BSCM within 24 months. ICH is defined as the presence of new focal neurological dysfunction or new headache symptoms, and confirmed by head CT/MR imaging examinations indicating new cerebral haemorrhage attributed to BSCM. If the primary efficacy outcome occurs, surgery will be considered for participants with a second ICH during follow-up. Radiosurgery or conservative treatment may also be considered for patients with a high risk of surgical intervention.

We will measure the efficacy outcomes in MR

A secondary efficacy outcome will be change in magnetic susceptibility using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) MRI34 at 24 months after randomisation. Recent studies have described the feasibility, reliability, and validity of QSM as a biomarker for the effect of drugs on CCM.

We will measure several the quality of life

Quality of Life (mRS score and EuroQOL five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) scale) within 24 months after enrollment