[Intramuscular angiomyolipoma in children--own observations]

Angiomyolipoma (AGML) is a rare benign tumour usually located in the kidneys, but it can occur also in other sites -- e.g. in the skeletal muscles. This location requires differentiation from sarcomas and angiomas. The aim of the study is to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic methods applied in the management of patients with AGML.

five patients were treated for intramuscular AGML (1998-2001). Tumour localisation was as follows: intermediate head of vastus muscle of the femur, lateral head, medial head, occipital muscles of the head, and the interosteal muscles of the metatarsum. All patients complained of severe, localized pain; the tumour mass was usually small and hardly palpable. The biopsy was preceded by ultrasound examination with Colour-Doppler option and CT examination with "angio" option. After the result of the pathological examination of the biopsy specimen was obtained, surgery was performed. One cm of healthy tissue around the tumour was the required margin of excision. This was obtained in all cases but one. Pain relief was obtained in all patients; in one, local relapse occurred.

AGML is a rare neoplasm in extra renal locations. Its appearance seems typical, with severe pain and only small deformation of the muscle. In this sub-group of patients, AMGL is located frequently in the femoral muscles. USG and CT imaging may correctly suggest the character of the tumour; however, the extent of treatment, should be decided after the biopsy histopathological report is known. MRI seems unnecessary when good quality Doppler-sonography and CT are available.