Giant intracranial capillary hemangioma associated with enlarged head circumference in a newborn

Thomas Daenekindt1, Frank Weyns, Kuan Hua Kho

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Ziekenhuizen Oost-Limburg, Genk, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. thomasdaenekindt@yahoo.com

Insights

Intracranial capillary hemangiomas are rare brain tumors. This case highlights diagnosis and surgical management of a large lesion in an infant, with discussion on conservative treatment options.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Vascular Malformations

Background:

  • Intracranial capillary hemangiomas are uncommon vascular tumors.
  • Diagnosis and management strategies require careful consideration.
  • Literature review focusing on differential diagnosis and treatment approaches.

Observation:

  • A 7-week-old infant presented with isolated head enlargement.
  • Imaging revealed a large intracranial lesion in the right temporal fossa.
  • No neurological deficits were observed.

Findings:

  • Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of intracranial capillary hemangioma.
  • Endovascular embolization followed by complete surgical resection was performed.
  • The incidence of these tumors may be underestimated.

Implications:

  • Surgical intervention was indicated due to tumor size in this case.
  • Conservative management, including follow-up and steroid therapy, may be suitable for some cases.
  • Understanding the natural history is crucial for optimal patient care.

Related Concept Videos

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Veins of Head and Neck01:19

Veins of Head and Neck

The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...