Sclerosing hemangiomas of the lung and interlobar fissures: CT findings

Sclerosing hemangioma is a rare pulmonary tumor. This article describes CT features of the tumor on the basis of CT-pathology correlation.

The CT features of eight patients with sclerosing hemangioma of the lung were studied retrospectively and were correlated with the pathologic findings of the resected specimens. All eight patients had an incidental lung mass found on chest radiographs. Seven patients were female. Contrast enhancement of the masses was assessed visually by two radiologists independently, and the density was measured before and after contrast enhancement by using a standard cursor in three patients.

On CT, sclerosing hemangiomas appeared as well defined juxtapleural masses in all cases. The tumors enhanced by visual criteria in all but one patient with the smallest mass. The CT density of the enhancing mass ranged from 96 to 157 HU. Three patients had calcification and two had well defined areas of low attenuation. On CT-pathology correlation, the higher, iso-, and lower attenuation areas corresponded with angiomatous, solid and sclerotic, and cystic areas, respectively.

A well defined juxtapleural mass with marked contrast enhancement coupled in select cases with foci of sharply marginated areas of low attenuation and calcification are characteristic CT findings of sclerosing hemangioma and should suggest this diagnosis especially in women with these findings.