Intercostal hemangioma presenting with multiple metastasized lung nodules caused by pneumonia

Area of Science:

• Thoracic oncology
• Diagnostic imaging
• Pathology

Background:

• Intercostal hemangioma is a rare vascular tumor.
• Pneumonia can manifest as multiple lung nodules.
• Accurate diagnosis of thoracic tumors is critical.

Observation:

• A patient presented with multiple lung nodules initially misdiagnosed as sarcoma.
• The lung nodules resolved after 6 weeks of pneumonia treatment.
• The underlying tumor was later identified as intercostal hemangioma.

Findings:

• Intercostal hemangioma can mimic metastatic disease.
• Pneumonia can cause lung nodules that resolve with treatment.
• Histological diagnosis confirmed intercostal hemangioma after resection.

Implications:

• This case expands the differential diagnosis for multiple lung nodules.
• It underscores the need to consider infectious causes alongside malignancy.
• Correctly identifying intercostal hemangioma is crucial for appropriate management.