Seattle Children's is first pediatric hospital in western U.S. to be designated a Cavernous Malformation Center of Excellence

SEATTLE, Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle Children's was recognized today as a Cavernous Malformation Center of Excellence for its expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and research of cavernous malformation (CCM), becoming the first pediatric hospital in the western United States to earn this designation.

CCM is a rare blood vessel disorder that causes strokes, seizures, and/or neurological symptoms in an estimated 140,000 children and adults in the United States. A diagnosis of CCM requires specialty care, as brain or spinal cord surgery is the only treatment for CCM to date. CCM is also known as cavernoma or cavernous angioma.

"We are pleased to recognize Seattle Children's leadership in conducting research and providing expert care to children with cavernous malformation," said Connie Lee, CEO of the Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation. "We welcome Seattle Children's to our growing network of designated CCM Clinical Centers and Centers of Excellence offering knowledgeable, multi-disciplinary care to CCM patients in the U.S."

"We are deeply honored by this recognition of our commitment to the care of children with cavernous malformations," said Catherine Amlie-Lefond, MD, CCM Center of Excellence Medical Director and Pediatric Vascular Neurology Program Director at Seattle Children's. "We look forward to continued collaboration with Harborview Medical Center to provide care over the lifespan, and with the Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation to seek a cure."

Seattle Children's CCM Center of Excellence will be led by Dr. Amlie-Lefond, Dr. Hannah Goldstein, MD, pediatric neurosurgeon, and Zoe Nelson, MS, CGC, neurovascular genetic counselor. The team also includes experts in epileptology, neuroradiology, hematology, and dermatology. Their research focuses on the study of familial CCM to better understand potential treatment options.

Cavernous Malformation Centers of Excellence are part of the national 22-hospital "CCM Center" network created by the Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation to improve diagnosis and care for CCM patients. CCM Centers offer expert, multidisciplinary clinical teams, and Centers of Excellence also conduct CCM research. CCM Center candidates complete an application reviewed by the Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation's Medical Advisory Board. The complete list of CCM Centers can be found on the Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation's website.

Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation's mission is to drive a cure and improve lives for all affected by cavernous malformation (CCM). Visit alliancetocure.org.

SOURCE Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation