Intracranial capillary hemangiomas: literature review in pediatric and adult population

Adult transverse sinus capillary hemangioma: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Adult intracranial capillary hemangioma (ICH) is an extremely rare disease with very few cases reported in the literature. Natural history is poorly understood and therapeutic management has not been clearly defined.

METHODS

Using PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed all published adult cases of ICH, to which we added our own case.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 24-year-old patient with intracranial hypertension underwent stenting for left transverse sinus ICH. Recurrence was managed by subtotal resection, and radiotherapy was undertaken after a second relapse. Radiotherapy achieved complete response at last follow-up.

RESULTS

Among cases of ICH found in the literature, 36 concerned adults (55.3%), with clear female predominance, and only 2 cases affecting the transverse sinus (8.1%). Adult ICHs grew over time, and pregnancy seemed to accelerate natural progression. Complete resection was achieved in most cases, and radiotherapy was used in case of relapse, with high rates of tumor control.

CONCLUSION

Transverse sinus ICH is uncommon, and venous stenting is a suitable option in case of tumor invasion to treat intracranial hypertension. Surgery is the gold-standard treatment, and radiotherapy is a very effective alternative, with high rates of tumor control. Natural history is not benign, particularly in case of pregnancy.

Documented growth of an intracranial capillary hemangioma: A case report

Intracranial capillary hemangiomas in adults are rare, and diagnosis can be challenging. Hemangiomas, in general (and particularly in the skin), are more often noted in the pediatric population. Due to the lack of imaging undertaken in the presymptomatic phase, the literature provides few clues on the rate of growth of these unusual tumors. Therefore, we report a case of a 64-year-old man with a medical history of Lyme disease who presented with exhaustion and confusion. Imaging demonstrated an intra-axial lesion with vascularity in the posterior right temporal lobe, raising the possibility of a glioma. Imaging two years prior revealed a very small lesion in the same location. The patient underwent a craniectomy, total resection of the lesion was completed, and his symptoms of confusion resolved. Biopsy revealed a capillary hemangioma composed of small vascular channels lined by endothelial cells and pericytes without smooth muscle. Features of glioma, vascular neoplasms or neuroborreliosis (cerebral Lyme disease) were not identified. Our case documents the growth over two years of a rare intracranial capillary hemangioma in an older adult male.

Intracranial parenchymal capillary hemangioma: A case report

Background

Capillary hemangioma is a rare benign hemangioma that occurs in the soft tissues of the skin, orbit, head, and neck. Intracranial cases, especially intraparenchymal cases, are extremely rare. In this study, we report the course of an intracranial parenchymal capillary hemangioma with left mild motor paresis and involuntary movements of the left upper extremity and was successfully treated by surgical resection, including radiological and pathological examinations.

Case Description

This is a case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with motor weakness and involuntary movement of the left upper extremity. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the right frontal hemorrhagic mass lesion without enhancement of contrast medium. Cerebral digital subtraction angiography showed no vascular stain and abnormal arteriovenous shunt. Preoperatively, we diagnosed cavernous hemangioma with a hemorrhagic component located in the right motor cortex. Because this case was symptomatic, we performed a craniotomy and gross total resection of the right frontal lesion. The diagnosis of capillary hemangioma was made by histological examination, including immunohistological study.

Conclusion

Because intraparenchymal capillary hemangiomas are difficult to diagnose with preoperative imaging, surgical treatment, and histopathological examination are important.

Intraparenchymal cerebellar capillary hemangioma in a 32-year-old man: a case report

The authors present an unusual case of a 32-year-old adult male with a capillary hemangioma, which developed within the left cerebellar parenchyma. The histopathological examination reveals a mass mostly formed by the proliferation of capillaries, lined by a layer of flat-plump endothelial cells, some branching and dilating large capillaries, forming a lobulated structure separated by fibrocollagenous connective tissue. Immunohistochemistry examination with CD31 and S100 was positive on the endothelial and stromal cells, respectively, and negative S100 on the endothelial cells. Although rare, capillary hemangioma should be one of the differential diagnoses for diagnosing intra-axial lesions in the cerebellar region. Confirmation of the histopathological characteristic is necessary to determine the diagnosis of capillary hemangioma and exclude other differential diagnoses.

Recurrent posterior fossa intracranial capillary hemangioma in a pregnant woman: A case report and review of literature

Introduction

Intracranial capillary hemangioma (ICH) is a rare tumor with a slightly higher incidence in women. Surgical management of ICH during pregnancy requires a joint decision, for it has been a contentious issue owing to the inadequate number of cases.

Presentation of case

A 23-year-old female with an ICH in the posterior fossa underwent subtotal tumor resection (STR). One year later, she was referred to the neurosurgery department in the 8th week of pregnancy due to a progressive headache, vomit, and a bulging occipital mass. Subsequent to an abortion, preoperative angiography and Bleomycin injection were performed, and the tumor was totally resected thereafter. Over a one-year follow-up, her symptoms faded, and she experienced no recurrence.

Discussion

ICH, a highly vascular entity, poses a substantial intraoperative bleeding risk. During the first surgery, intraoperative bleeding deterred the surgeon from a gross total resection (GTR), leading to a recurrence due to the growth of residual tissue during pregnancy. Having aborted the fetus, the patient underwent angioembolization to lessen the risk of intraoperative bleeding before reoperation, rendering it more possible for the surgeon to achieve GTR. Accordingly, quality of resection and a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to ensure optimal treatment.

Conclusion

There is a growing consensus that not only is STR a contributory factor in ICH recurrence, but female hormones and increased cardiac output in pregnancy might play a pivotal role in the progression of the tumor. Thus, paying further attention to pregnant or peripartum patients with suspected ICH should assume greater significance.