Diagnosis and surgical treatment of cavernous sinus angioleiomyoma: a report of four cases.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to retrospectively evaluate the imaging characteristics of cavernous sinus angioleiomyoma and explore appropriate surgical approaches. METHODS: A total of four cases admitted to our hospital for repeated episodes of headache were enrolled. The common clinical manifestations included decreased vision, diplopia, blepharoptosis and facial numbness. The first three patients were misdiagnosed with cavernous sinus hemangioma, meningioma and chordoma, respectively. The fourth case was suspected to be angioleiomyoma. Imaging examination showed an oval-shaped tumor occupying the cavernous sinus. The tumor was hypointense on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and extremely hyperintense on T2-weighted scan, which was similar to the cerebrospinal fluid, and was progressively enhanced from one side after gadolinium injection, pushing the internal carotid artery toward the inner side. RESULTS: Surgical resection was performed via an epidural approach for these four cases. Clinical symptoms were improved after surgery and no recurrence was observed during follow-up visits (average, 47.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: The initial symptom of cavernous sinus angioleiomyoma was repeated headache. The tumor seems extremely hyperintense on a T2-weighted image and expansive growth is pushing away the internal carotid artery rather than encasing it. It was progressively enhanced from one side after gadolinium injection. Surgical treatment based on an epidural approach had an excellent outcome in tumor resection and nerve protection.