Intrasellar cavernous hemangioma. Case report

Extra-Axial Cavernous Angioma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cavernous angiomas (CAs) are benign vascular malformations predominantly seen in the brain parenchyma and therefore referred to as intra-axial. Extra-axial dural-based cavernous angiomas, on the other hand, are rare vascular lesions found outside of the brain parenchyma. They occur in the middle fossa and may be easily misdiagnosed as meningiomas due to their extra-axial location. In addition, CAs that are located outside the middle fossa, such as in the convexity, have a better prognosis since they are more surgically accessible. Surgical resection is the main treatment of choice in CAs. However, other options, such as embolization and radiotherapy, may also be considered therapeutic choices or additive treatment options. The pathogenesis of CA and the involvement of other factors (genetics or environmental factors) are still unknown and require further investigation. We are presenting a young man who presented for evaluation of seizure-like events without any family history of neurologic conditions. The physical examination was unremarkable except for a slightly antalgic gait. Imaging studies showed an extra-axial left tentorial mass suggestive of a meningioma, hemangiopericytoma, or other extra-axial lesions. The lesion was resected where its vascular nature was mentioned initially, and the histology proved the diagnosis of cavernous angioma. Here we give an overview of the known pathogenesis, causes, clinical features, and diagnostic and therapeutic options in CA. Better knowledge about CA, its causes, clinical features, and treatment options would help clinicians in early diagnosis and patient management.

The "chameleon" sellar lesions: a case report of unexpected sellar lesions

Introduction

The sellar region and its boundaries represent a challenging area, harboring a variety of tissues of different linings. Therefore, a variety of diseases can arise or involve in this area (i.e., neoplastic or not). A total of three challenging cases of "chameleon" sellar lesions treated via EEA were described, and the lesions mimicked radiological features of common sellar masses such as craniopharyngiomas and/or pituitary adenomas, and we also report a literature review of similar cases.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of three primary cases was conducted at the Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy. Clinical information, radiological examinations, and pathology reports were illustrated.

Results

A total of three cases of so-called "chameleon" sellar lesions comprising two men and one woman were reported. Based on the intraoperative finding and pathological examination, we noticed that case 1 had suprasellar glioblastoma, case 2 had a primary neuroendocrine tumor, and case 3 had cavernous malformation.

Conclusion

Neurosurgeons should consider "unexpected" lesions of the sellar/suprasellar region in the preoperative differential diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach with the collaboration of neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and pathologists plays a fundamental role. The recognition of unusual sellar lesions can help surgeons with better preoperative planning; so an endoscopic endonasal approach may represent a valid surgical technique to obtain decompression of the optic apparatus and vascular structures and finally a pathological diagnosis.

Unusual cause of binocular diplopia: Cavernous sinus hemangioma

Cavernous hemangiomas are rare account representing 5%-13% of the intracranial vascular malformations and occur in approximately 0.5%-1% of the population. We report the case of 34-years-old woman, having a medical history of seizure, admitted for headache with binocular diplopia. The radiology investigation and operatory piece has shown an association of cavernous sinus hemangioma and frontal focal cortical dysplasia. This study highlights clinical, radiological and therapeutic features of this entity.

Intrasellar cavernous hemangiomas: A case report with a comprehensive review of the literature

Background:

Extra-axial cerebral cavernous hemangiomas particularly those found in the sellar region, are extremely rare. Their clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics can mimic those of a pituitary adenoma thus making preoperative diagnosis difficult. Few cases are reported in the literature. We present a case, along with a comprehensive review of the literature regarding specific aspects of diagnosis and management of all similarly reported rare cases.

Case Description:

We present the clinical, radiological, and operative data of a rare case of a large intrasellar cavernous hemangioma in a 49-year-old female patient presented with headache and diminution of vision, which was diagnosed intraoperatively during an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Subtotal debulking was performed with immediate postoperative clinical improvement. The patient was then referred for radiotherapy and maintained her clinical improvement since then.

Conclusion:

Neurosurgeons should consider this rare pathology in the preoperative differential diagnosis of sellar tumors. Bright hyperintense T2 signal with or without signal voids associated with centripetal delayed contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging images might raise the suspicion which can be further confirmed intraoperatively with frozen sections. Due the reported high vascularity and intraoperative profuse bleeding leading to high operative morbidities, piecemeal subtotal resection followed by radiosurgery may be considered today as the safest and most effective strategy.

Imaging characteristics of Intrasellar cavernous hemangioma: A case report

RATIONALE

Intrasellar cavernous hemangiomas (ICHs) are rare vascular lesions that arise in the sellar region. ICHs are usually misdiagnosed and treated as pituitary adenomas. Therefore, a preoperative diagnosis is particularly important, especially when the goal is complete resection.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 55-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of intermittent dizziness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-demarcated abnormal ellipsoid signal in the sellar region (size: 2.7 cm × 1.7 cm), with a mulberry-like enhancement after gadolinium injection. Computed tomography revealed an intrasellar mass without calcification that extended into the left cavernous sinus and was faintly contrast-enhanced. Angiography revealed a tumor with mildly delayed staining fed by the C5 segment of the right internal carotid artery.

DIAGNOSIS

An intrasellar cavernous hemangioma based on neuroradiological examinations.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent surgery with an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to debulk the lesion and obtain tissue for the pathological diagnosis.

OUTCOMES

Blood spurting was observed after puncture, and the capsule was stained blue. Lesion removal was stopped, and the patient underwent gamma knife surgery 1 week later. She remained in good condition during the follow-up.

LESSONS

Sponge-like or mulberry-like lesions can be identified on MRI after gadolinium injection and can facilitate a preoperative diagnosis of ICH. Currently, surgical debulking with cranial nerve decompression during the acute stage and subsequent gamma knife radiosurgery are considered to be a safe and effective treatment.

Very Unusual Sellar/Suprasellar Region Masses: A Review

The cause of sellar region masses in large retrospective series is overwhelmingly pituitary adenomas (84.6%), followed by craniopharyngiomas (3.2%), cystic nonneoplastic lesions (2.8%), inflammatory lesions (1.1%), meningiomas (0.94%), metastases (0.6%), and chordomas (0.5%) (1). While other rare lesions were also identified (collectively 6.0%), single unusual entities in the above-cited series numbered <1-2 examples each out of the 4122 cases, underscoring their rarity. We searched our joint files for rare, often singular, sellar/suprasellar masses that we had encountered over the past several decades in our own specialty, tertiary care specialty pituitary center practices. Cases for this review were subjectively selected for their challenging clinical and/or histological features as well as teaching value based on the senior authors' (MBSL, BKD) collective experience with over 7000 examples. We excluded entities deemed to be already well-appreciated by neuropathologists such as mixed adenoma-gangliocytoma, posterior pituitary tumors, metastases, and hypophysitis. We identified examples that, in our judgment, were sufficiently unusual enough to warrant further reporting. Herein, we present 3 diffuse large cell B cell pituitary lymphomas confined to the sellar region with first presentation at that site, 2 sarcomas primary to sella in nonirradiated patients, and 1 case each of granulomatosis with polyangiitis and neurosarcoidosis with first presentations as a sellar/suprasellar mass. Other cases included 1 of chronic lymphocytic leukemia within a gonadotroph adenoma and 1 of ectopic nerve fascicles embedded within a somatotroph adenoma, neither of which impacted patient care. Our objective was to share these examples and review the relevant literature.

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for the Resection of a Cavernous Hemangioma with a Sellar Extension

Cavernous hemangiomas with an intrasellar extension are very rare, generally benign lesions that manifest by the compression of nearby structures. The presenting symptoms usually range from visual disturbances to an endocrine imbalance. Occasional extension into the cavernous sinus has been reported, which can cause cranial nerve compression. We present the case of a 69-year-old man presenting with facial pain and decreased libido. On investigation, a lesion was identified and the parasellar region was homogeneously hyper-intense on gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Endoscopic endonasal surgery remains one of the favored approaches for the resection of sellar lesions. Such pathology needs to remain on the neurosurgeon’s differential diagnosis, making an intraoperative frozen section of these lesions a useful tool in the surgeon's armamentarium, to guide further surgical resection.

A giant solid cavernous hemangioma mimicking sphenoid wing meningioma in an adolescent: A case report

RATIONALE

Central nervous system (CNS) solid cavernous hemangiomas are rare extra-axial anomalies that may sometimes resemble meningiomas. Due to their complex vascular nature, accurate preoperative diagnosis is important to avoid disastrous hemorrhage during operation. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case in an adolescent since all middle cranial fossa hemangioma cases reported in literature are adults in their 40s or 50s and all the pediatric cases are cystic.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We present a case of a 14-year-old girl with headache and dizziness for 3 months. She occasionally experienced nausea and vomiting but denied visual disturbances and loss of smell.

DIAGNOSES

MRI revealed a lesion that extends to the greater wing of the sphenoid bone as well as the pituitary fossa. Our initial diagnosis was a sphenoid wing meningioma but interestingly, histopathology revealed solid cavernous hemangioma.

INTERVENTIONS

The residual tumor was completely removed with 2 sessions of Gamma Knife radiotherapy after surgery.

OUTCOMES

We were confronted with excessive bleeding during surgery so we attained subtotal resection. However, the patient recovered well with no recurrence of the tumor.

LESSONS

Our case shows that space occupying lesions involving the cavernous sinus and sphenoid ridged could be easily misdiagnosed as sphenoid wing meningiomas in children and adolescents and even adults therefore great care must be exercised when confronted with this kind of presentation.

Endoscopic management of Atypical sellar cavernous hemangioma: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

supratentorial cavernous hemangiomas, particularly those found in the sellar region, are extremely rare. We present a case of sellar cavernous hemangioma with radiological characteristics that have never been reported. Due to the difficulty diagnosing these lesions, misdiagnosis might occur. Thus, briefing surgeons about the clinico-radiological features of such rare lesions is crucial for better understanding the enigmatic features of such rare lesions and to develop early management approaches that could result in better surgical excision with a lower tendency for complications.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 43-year-old male presented with headache, blurred vision, and impotence for the last 2 years. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed an atypical sellar mass displaying signals of heterogeneous intensity on T1- and T2-weighted imaging. The mass exhibited heterogeneous enhancement after gadolinium injection. Endoscopic endonasal surgery was subsequently performed, during which an uneventful subtotal resection of the mass was achieved. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of intrasellar cavernous hemangioma.

DISCUSSION

Many questions regarding how best to manage such lesions remain unanswered. Hence, we summarize the relevant surgical techniques and discuss misconceptions.

CONCLUSION

Seller cavernous hemangioma (SCH) is an extremely rare lesion that can be misdiagnosed. It is characterized by clinico-radiological features similar to those of other lesions such as pituitary macroadenoma and should be included in the differential diagnosis. The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal (EET) approach with subtotal/total resection appears to be a feasible option for debulking, with less surgical complications. Nonetheless, combining stereotactic radiosurgery will reduce postsurgical morbidities.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery for nonadenomatous, nonmeningeal pathology involving the cavernous sinus

OBJECTIVE Surgery within the cavernous sinus (CS) remains a controversial topic because of the delicate and complex anatomy. The risk also varies with tumor consistency. Softer tumors such as pituitary adenomas are more likely to be surgically treated, while firm tumors such as meningiomas are often treated with radiosurgery. However, a wide range of pathologies that can involve the CS are amenable to surgery. The authors describe and analyze their results using endonasal endoscopic "medial-to-lateral" approaches for nonadenomatous, nonmeningeal tumors, in relation to the degree of invasion within the CS. METHODS A prospectively acquired database of consecutive endoscopic approaches for tumors with verified intraoperative CS invasion was reviewed. Pituitary adenomas and meningiomas were excluded. Degree of invasion of the CS was classified using the Knosp-Steiner (KS) grading system as well as the percentage of cavernous carotid artery (CCA) encasement. Extent of resection of the entire tumor and of the CS component was assessed by independent neuroradiologists using volumetric measurements of the pre- and postoperative MRI studies. Demographic data and complications were noted. RESULTS Fifteen patients (mean age 51.1 years who received endoscopic surgery between 2007 and 2013 met the selection criteria. There were 11 malignant tumors, including chordoma, chondrosarcoma, hemangiopericytoma, lymphoma, and metastatic cancer, and 4 benign tumors, including 3 cavernous hemangiomas and 1 dermoid. All cases were discussed before treatment in a tumor board. Adjuvant treatment options included chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The mean pre- and postoperative tumor volumes were 12.74 ml and 3.86 ml. Gross-total resection (GTR; ie, resection greater than 95%) was the goal in 13 cases and was achieved in 6 patients (46%) while in addition 5 patients had a greater than 80% resection. Gross-total resection in the CS was accomplished in 55% of the tumors with KS Grades 1-2 and in 16.6% of the tumors with KS grades 3-4, respectively. Likewise, GTR was accomplished in 55% of the tumors with CCA encasement under 75% and in 14.3% of the lesions with CCA encasement over 75%, irrespective of tumor volume and underlying pathology. There were 18 preexisting cranial neuropathies involving cranial nerves III-VI, of which 9 fully resolved, 4 improved, and 3 remained unchanged; 2 of these worsened with tumor recurrence. Surgical complications included 1 transient new cranial nerve VI palsy associated with Horner's syndrome and 1 case of panhypopituitarism. There were no postoperative CSF leaks and no infections. The mean extended follow-up was 34.4 months. CONCLUSIONS Endonasal endoscopic approaches can play a role in the management of nonmeningeal, nonadenomatous tumors invading the CS, either through biopsy, debulking, or GTR. An advantage of this method is the relief of preexisting cranial neuropathies with low risk for new neurological deficit. Extent of resection within the CS varies with KS grade and degree of carotid encasement irrespective of the underlying pathology. The goals of surgery should be clearly established preoperatively in consultation with radiation and medical oncologists.

Genetic Analysis of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) Leads to Misdiagnosis of an Extremely Rare Presentation of Intrasellar Cavernous Hemangioma as MEN1

BACKGROUND

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of endocrine tumors in target tissues (mainly the pituitary, endocrine pancreas, and parathyroid glands). MEN1 is caused by mutations in the MEN1 gene, which functions as a tumor suppressor and consists of one untranslated exon and nine exons encoding the menin protein. This condition is usually suspected when we encounter patients diagnosed with tumors in multiple endocrine organs, as mentioned above.

METHODS

A 65-year-old woman who underwent surgery for a pancreatic tumor (serous cystadenoma) 5 years previously was referred to our hospital due to neurologic symptoms of diplopia and left ptosis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 3.4-cm lesion originating from the cavernous sinus wall and extending into the sellar region. It was thought to be a nonfunctioning tumor from the results of the combined pituitary function test. Incidentally, we found that she also had a pancreatic tumor, indicating the necessity of genetic analysis for MEN1.

RESULTS

Genomic analysis using peripheral leukocytes revealed a heterozygous c.1621G>A mutation in the MEN1 gene that was previously reported to be either a pathogenic mutation or a simple polymorphism. We pursued a stereotactic approach to the pituitary lesion, and microscopic findings of the tumor revealed it to be an intrasellar cavernous hemangioma, a rare finding in the sellar region and even rarer in relation to oculomotor palsy. The patient recovered well from surgery, but refused further evaluation for the pancreatic lesion.

CONCLUSION

There is great emphasis placed on genetic testing in the diagnosis of MEN1, but herein we report a case where it did not assist in diagnosis, hence, further discussion on the role of genetic testing in this disease is needed. Also, in cases of pituitary tumor with cranial nerve palsy, despite its low prevalence, intrasellar cavernous hemangioma could be suspected.

Cavernous hemangioma of the cavernous sinus misdiagnosed as a meningioma: a case report and MR imaging findings

Cavernous hemangioma (CH) is a benign vascular malformation. Intracranial CH is generally localized as an intracranial-intraaxial and responsible for 5-13% of all intracranial vascular malformations. Intracranial-extraaxial CHs are rare rather than intracranial-intraaxial CHs. Clinical findings, imaging characteristics, and surgical approach of extraaxial CHs are rather different than intraaxial CHs. Diagnosing cavernous sinus CH preoperatively is very important, but its radiological differential diagnosis is quite difficult. In this study, we present magnetic resonance imaging findings of a 48-year-old male who was considered preoperatively to have meningioma but was diagnosed with cavernous sinus CH during surgery by pathological examination.

"Leiomyomatoid angiomatous neuroendocrine tumor" (LANT) of the pituitary reflects idiosyncratic angiogenesis in adenomas of the gonadotroph cell lineage

Based on a single-case observation, the descriptive label "leiomyomatoid angiomatous neuroendocrine tumor" (LANT) has been tentatively applied to what was perceived as a possible novel type of dual-lineage pituitary neoplasm with biphasic architecture. We report on two additional examples of an analogous phenomenon encountered in male patients, aged 59 years (Case 1) and 91 years (Case 2). Both tumors were intra- and suprasellar masses, measuring 5.6 cm × 4.4 cm × 3.4 cm, and 2.7 cm × 2 cm × 1.7 cm, respectively. Histologically, Case 1 was an FSH-cell adenoma interwoven by vascularized connective tissue septa that tended to exhibit incremental stages of adventitial overgrowth. The epithelial component of Case 2 corresponded to an LH-cell adenoma, and lay partitioned by a maze of paucicellular to hyalinized vascular axes. Irrespective of architectural variations, perivascular spindle cells exhibited immunopositivity for vimentin, muscular actin, and smooth muscle actin. Conversely, negative results were obtained for CD34, EMA, S100 protein, GFAP, and TTF-1. Ultrastructural study failed to reveal metaplastic cell forms involving transitional features between adenohypophyseal-epithelial and mesenchymal-contractile phenotype. We propose that LANT be regarded as a peculiar reflection of maladaptive angiogenesis in some pituitary adenomas, rather than a genuine hybrid neoplasm. While no mechanistic clue is forthcoming to account for this distinctive pattern, hemodynamic strain through direct arterial - rather than portal - supply of the adenoma's capillary bed may be one such explanatory factor. The apparent predilection of the LANT pattern for macroadenomas of the gonadotroph cell lineage remains unexplained.

Transnasal endoscopic resection of a cavernous sinus hemangioma: technical note and review of the literature

Objective/Importance: Hemangiomas of the cavernous sinus are rare lesions. Complete removal through a transcranial route often causes ocular motor palsies. Because the cranial nerves in the cavernous sinus are lateral to the carotid, a medial approach to the cavernous sinus may be less traumatic to the cranial nerves.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 50-year-old man with headaches, dizziness, diplopia, and magnetic resonance imaging that demonstrated a right cavernous sinus mass expanding into the sella and sphenoid sinus.

INTERVENTION

A gross total removal of a cavernous sinus hemangioma was performed through an extended endoscopic transsphenoidal approach.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of a complete removal of a cavernous sinus hemangioma using an endoscopic transnasal approach. The endoscopic transnasal approach to the medial cavernous sinus may be less traumatic than the transcranial route based on the lateral location of the cranial nerves.

Pontine cavernous haemangioma - an incidental autopsy finding

Cavernous haemangiomas belong to a group of vascular malformations that are developmental defects of the vascular bed. Occurrence of an asymptomatic cavernoma in the pons is uncommon and worthy of record. At autopsy, cavernomas have to be differentiated from traumatic haemorrhagic lesions in head injury cases. We hereby report a case in which a pontine cavernous haemangioma was detected at autopsy in a 25-year-old female who died due to burn injuries.

Intrasellar cavernous hemangioma

Reports of intrasellar cavernous hemangioma are rare. They are usually incidental findings at autopsy, or initially mistaken for pituitary adenoma and treated accordingly. There are no specific symptoms. Cranial nerve palsy has occasionally been reported in patients with cavernous hemangioma, with or without sellar extension. However, intrasellar cavernous hemangioma with extension into the cavernous sinus resulting in oculomotor palsy has not been reported. We present a rare case of intrasellar cavernous hemangioma and discuss the diagnosis and management. Total surgical removal is recommended. However, attempts to resect the parasellar component of the lesion may be associated with high morbidity. Therefore, surgical cranial nerve decompression in the acute stage followed by stereotactic radiosurgery for the residual lesion may be an alternative.

A case of reversed pituitary dysfunction with intrasellar mass

Hypopituitarism can be caused by tumor, inflammation, granuloma and injuries. Once pituitary function is disturbed, hormone replacement therapy is necessary for the remaining life span in most cases. We have experienced a rare case of a unique intrasellar mass associated with pituitary dysfunction in which both spontaneously reversed. A 61-yr-old woman developed hypoadrenalism and central diabetes insipidus (cDI). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a lobular, strong hypointense lesion with spotty signal in the middle of the hypophysis. This spotty lesion showed isointensity on T1- and high-intensity on T2-weighted MR images. The spotty signal as well as the normal pituitary lobe were enhanced by the administration of gadolinium. As replacement therapies for hypoadrenalism and cDI, 10 mg of hydrocortisone and 2.5 microg of desmopressin acetate were prescribed. Three months later, slight shrinkage of intrasellar mass and spontaneous improvement of pituitary functions were found. Hydrocortisone was then discontinued. Furthermore, because polyuria and polydipsia were improved nine months later, desmopressin acetate was stopped. Currently, the intrasellar mass continues to shrink, and the patient shows no symptoms without medication. Based upon the unique features of MR images, we suspect that the origin of the mass is an intrasellar hemangioma.

MRI in the differential diagnosis of a sellar mass

Whilst pituitary adenomas are the commonest cause of a sellar mass, there are a number of other neoplastic, infectious, inflammatory, developmental and vascular aetiologies that should be considered by the radiologist. We discuss and illustrate these lesions and indicate the various magnetic resonance imaging features that are helpful in formulating an appropriate differential diagnosis.