Imaging characteristics of Intrasellar cavernous hemangioma: A case report

Intrasellar cavernous hemangiomas (ICHs) are rare vascular lesions that arise in the sellar region. ICHs are usually misdiagnosed and treated as pituitary adenomas. Therefore, a preoperative diagnosis is particularly important, especially when the goal is complete resection.

A 55-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of intermittent dizziness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-demarcated abnormal ellipsoid signal in the sellar region (size: 2.7 cm × 1.7 cm), with a mulberry-like enhancement after gadolinium injection. Computed tomography revealed an intrasellar mass without calcification that extended into the left cavernous sinus and was faintly contrast-enhanced. Angiography revealed a tumor with mildly delayed staining fed by the C5 segment of the right internal carotid artery.

An intrasellar cavernous hemangioma based on neuroradiological examinations.

The patient underwent surgery with an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to debulk the lesion and obtain tissue for the pathological diagnosis.

Blood spurting was observed after puncture, and the capsule was stained blue. Lesion removal was stopped, and the patient underwent gamma knife surgery 1 week later. She remained in good condition during the follow-up.

Sponge-like or mulberry-like lesions can be identified on MRI after gadolinium injection and can facilitate a preoperative diagnosis of ICH. Currently, surgical debulking with cranial nerve decompression during the acute stage and subsequent gamma knife radiosurgery are considered to be a safe and effective treatment.