Endoscopic Management of Recurrent Epistaxis Caused by Retiform Hemangioendothelioma in a Child: A Case Report

Retiform hemangioendothelioma (RH) is a rare intermediate (locally aggressive) vascular tumor that mostly affects the dermis of the trunk and limbs, but has never been reported in the inferior turbinate. A 10-year-old Chinese boy presented with recurrent epistaxis in his left nasal cavity and anemia for more than 2 years. Radiographic and electronic video laryngoscopic images showed an expansile mass in the left inferior turbinate. Endoscopic surgery and electrocautery were performed to resect the tumor beyond the macroscopic border. Histopathologically, the tissues were infiltrated by hyperplastic blood vessels arranged in a retiform pattern, and endothelial cells proliferate significantly in some areas. Immunohistochemistry showed a positive result for CD31, CD34, Fli-1, and ERG. No epistaxis, tumor recurrence, or metastasis was found on reexamination over 18 months after surgery.

A case report of retiform hemangioendothelioma as pleural nodules with literature review

Retiform hemangioendothelioma (RH) is a rare low-grade variant of angiosarcoma mostly reported on dermis or subcutaneously. A 30-year-old woman suffering from dry cough, dyspnea and pleural effusion has been described. Distinctive symptoms and lesions on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan and common histological, immunological feature are discussed. Diagnosis was made by thoracoscopy as RH.

Retiform hemangioendothelioma treated with conservative therapy: report of a case and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Retiform hemangioendothelioma (RH) is a locally aggressive vascular tumor. Wide surgical excision with tumor-free margins is the standard treatment strategy. However, surgical excision is not an option for lesions near critical anatomical structures, such as those on the face. We report the case of a patient with retiform hemangioendothelioma that responded to non-surgical treatments.

METHODS

We describe the case of a 72-year-old male patient with a retiform hemangioendothelioma on the face that responded to a combination of pulsed dye laser, local corticosteroid injection, and application of imiquimod cream. In addition, we reviewed past case reports of patients with retiform hemangioendothelioma.

RESULTS

Thirty-five cases that describe the management of RH, including the present case, have been reported. Review of the cases indicate a relatively low disease-free survival rate in cases that underwent surgical excision as the initial therapy for retiform hemangioendothelioma.

CONCLUSION

Surgical excision might not be the best therapeutic option. Local control with conservative therapy is an acceptable strategy for lesions in anatomical regions including the face.

A rare presentation of retiform hemangioendothelioma in the external auditory canal

Retiform hemangioendothelioma is a rare intermediate or borderline neoplasm of the blood vessels that mostly occurs in extremities. Here we report a unique case of retiform hemangioendothelioma presented in the external auditory canal. 58-year-old male patient presented with the complaint of right ear swelling for 4 years. On examination, a spherical swelling in the right ear was found occluding the view of external auditory canal. The tumor was removed surgically. Intraoperatively, the mass was found attached to the outer part of the right external auditory canal near the root of helix. Histopathology of the resected tumor showed typical features of retiform hemangioendothelioma. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that tumor was positive for endothelial cell marker CD34 and occasionally positive for cell proliferative marker Ki-67.