Primary angioleiomyoma in the sellar region: a case report and literature review

Clin Neuropathol. 2010 Jan-Feb;29(1):21-5. doi: 10.5414/npp29021.

Abstract

Objective: Angioleiomyoma (vascular leiomyomas, angiomyoma) is a rare, benign soft tissue tumor which consists of a mixture of well-differentiated smooth muscle cells and thick-walled vessels. Here we report a case of angioleiomyoma in the sellar region, which is the first case report of angioleiomyoma at this anatomical location.

Clinical presentation: A 53-year-old man was admitted with a medical history of three months episodic headache and one month visual deterioration, both of which progressed gradually. The neurological examination showed nothing remarkable except a slightly decreased adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) level. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed a pituitary apoplexy. Gross total resection of the tumor was then performed.

Pathological findings: Histological and immunohistochemical studies showed a typical microscopic appearance of an angioleiomyoma present in a rather uncommon place. The pertinent literature regarding the features of this tumor was reviewed and discussed.

Conclusions: Intracranial angioleiomyoma is a benign soft tissue tumor with excellent prognosis. Early diagnosis of this tumor is difficult.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism
  • Angiomyoma / diagnosis
  • Angiomyoma / metabolism
  • Angiomyoma / pathology*
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain / surgery
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone