Choice between different operative techniques on cavernous hepatic hemangiomas

Objective： To investigate the optimizing of operative techniques on cavernous hepatic hemangioma by comparing the effective of the two approaches （enucleation and hepatectomy）. Methods： From May 1994 to September 2006, fortythree patients underwent the surgical removal of the cavernous hepatic hemangioma were analyzed retrospectJvely. Enucleation was used for 16 cases and hepatectomy for 27 cases. The relative clinical data and operative factors between the two operative techniques were compared. Results： Statistically significant differences in tumor size, location and intraoperative blood lose between the two groups were observed （P 〈 0.05 ）. Although enucleation was associated with less intraoperative bleeding and transfusion requirement but no significant differences in postoperative liver functional parameter, complication and length of hospital stay were observed. Conclusion： With proper choice, enucleation and hepatectomy both are effective treatments for cavernous hepatic hemangiomas.

Resection of Intracranial Giant Cavernous Malformation: Case Report and Literature Review

Cerebral cavernous malformations are a rare and congenital vascular malformation that can present as a challenge in neurosurgical management. The term “giant cerebral cavernous malformations” still does not have a clear definition in the literature, with a wide variety of results. It is known, however, that there is an association between the size of the cavernoma and postoperative sequelae, especially in those with a size greater than 3 cm in its largest diameter. We present a case report of resection of a giant brain cavernoma measuring approximately 8 cm in its largest diameter, emphasizing on clinical presentation, diagnoses and postoperative evolution. Additionally, we performed a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the subject, addressing the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and prognosis associated with this condition.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided lauromacrogol injection for treatment of colorectal cavernous hemangioma:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Colorectal cavernous hemangioma is a rare vascular malformation resulting in recurrent lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage,and can be misinterpreted as colitis.Surgical resection is currently the mainstay of treatment,with an emphasis on sphincter preservation.CASE SUMMARY We present details of two young patients with a history of persistent hematochezia diagnosed with colorectal cavernous hemangioma by endoscopic ultrasound(EUS).Cavernous hemangioma was relieved by several EUS-guided lauromacrogol injections and the patients achieved favorable clinical prognosis.CONCLUSION Multiple sequential EUS-guided injections of lauromacrogol is a safe,effective,cost-efficient,and minimally invasive alternative for colorectal cavernous hemangioma.

Retrospective analysis based on a clinical grading system for patients with hepatic hemangioma:A single center experience

BACKGROUND The optimal approach for managing hepatic hemangioma is controversial.AIM To evaluate a clinical grading system for management of hepatic hemangioma based on our 17-year of single institution experience.METHODS A clinical grading system was retrospectively applied to 1171 patients with hepatic hemangioma from January 2002 to December 2018.Patients were classified into four groups based on the clinical grading system and treatment:(1)Observation group with score<4(Obs score<4);(2)Surgical group with score<4(Sur score<4);(3)Observation group with score≥4(Obs score≥4);and(4)Surgical group with score≥4(Sur score≥4).The clinico-pathological index and outcomes were evaluated.RESULTS There were significantly fewer symptomatic patients in surgical groups(Sur score≥4 vs Obs score≥4,P<0.001;Sur score<4 vs Obs score<4,χ^(2)=8.60,P=0.004;Sur score≥4 vs Obs score<4,P<0.001).The patients in Sur score≥4 had a lower rate of in need for intervention and total patients with adverse event than in Obs score≥4(P<0.001;P<0.001).Nevertheless,there was no significant difference in need for intervention and total patients with adverse event between the Sur score<4 and Obs score<4(P>0.05;χ^(2)=1.68,P>0.05).CONCLUSION This clinical grading system appeared as a practical tool for hepatic hemangioma.Surgery can be suggested for patients with a score≥4.For those with<4,follow-up should be proposed.

CT and MRI Findings of Intracranial Cavernous Hemangioma Malformation

Objective:To investigate the computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)features of cavernous hemangioma malformation(CHM)to enhance diagnostic accuracy.Methods:The CT and MRI findings and clinical information of 23 patients with CHM were retrospectively analyzed.Results:CT examinations were conducted in 7 cases,while MRI was utilized in 23 cases.Additionally,SWI was employed in 5 cases and enhanced imaging techniques were applied in 14 cases.Among the observed lesions,20 cases presented with a singular lesion,whereas 3 cases exhibited multiple lesions.The lesions were located in 8 frontal lobes,6 cerebellums,2 brainstems,6 temporal lobes,1 basal ganglia,3 parieto-occipital lobes,and 2 thalamus regions.The nodules appeared as quasi-circular lesions with clear or well-defined boundaries.They presented as isodense lesions on CT scans,with one lesion showing peritumoral edema.On MRI,T1-weighted imaging(T1WI)demonstrated isointense signals,while T2-weighted imaging(T2WI)showed isointense and hyperintense signals.Additionally,10 lesions exhibited a low signal ring on T2WI.Diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI)revealed nodular or isointense low signals,while susceptibility-weighted imaging(SWI)displayed enlarged areas of low signal.Fourteen lesions underwent contrast-enhanced scanning,with 2 lesions showing no obvious enhancement,1 lesion demonstrating mild to moderate enhancement,and 11 lesions exhibiting significant enhancement.Notably,6 of these enhanced lesions were surrounded by small blood vessels.Conclusion:Cavernous hemangioma malformation is more commonly found in individual cases.CT alone lacks specificity,making it prone to misdiagnosis.A more comprehensive evaluation of cavernous hemangioma malformation can be achieved through a combination of MRI,DWI,SWI,and enhanced examination,providing valuable references for clinical assessment.

Autologous transfusion with modified total hepatic vascular exclusion for extracapsular resection of giant hepatic cavernous hemangioma

BACKGROUND: This paper was to review the effects of intraoperative autologous transfusion during modified, normal-temperature, total hepatic vascular exclusion (THVE) for extracapsular resection of giant hepatic cavernous hemangioma. METHODS: The clinical data from 28 patients, who underwent hepatic resection requiring intraoperative autologous transfusion with the cell-saver apparatus, were analyzed retrospectively. The tumors in the 28 patients involved the proximal hepatic veins and inferior vena cava. The diameters of these hemangiomas ranged from 12x15 cm to 18-40 cm. All patients had varying degrees of THVE. ' RESULTS: The 28 patients with hemangioma received integrated resection and recovered. One patient had rupture of tumors resulting in massive hemorrhage of 6000 ml during liver resection; 4 patients had blood transfusions of 400-800 ml; the other 23 patients had no blood transfusion. Only 6 patients underwent the Pringle maneuver with resection. The other 22 patients underwent THVE during the liver resection. The interval of THVE was 5-30 minutes (mean 16 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative autologous transfusion during modified, normal-temperature THVE for extracapsular resection of huge hepatic cavernous hemangioma is feasible.

Blunt abdominal injury with rupture of giant hepatic cavernous hemangioma and laceration of the spleen

A 41-year-old woman with blunt abdominal trauma due to a motor vehicle accident presented to our emergency department. The patient had a history of a giant hepatic cavernous hemangioma. Emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed for suspected intra-abdominal bleeding with abdominal compartment syndrome, and more than 4 liters of blood and blood clots were removed. An active bleeding laceration （5 cm） of a hepatic cavernous hemangioma was detected in segment III of the liver. The bleeding was controlled by sutures, Teflon patches and tamponade. The abdomen was closed temporarily using the vacuum-assisted method. Because of the presence of persistent fresh blood through abdominal drainage at a rate of 〉1 L/h, splenectomy was performed to control the bleeding again by sutures and Teflon patches. Finally, the abdomen was closed using a biologic mesh. The patient was discharged home 30 days after trauma. Bleeding of trauma-caused hepatic hemangioma is rare, but splenic injury due to blunt abdominal trauma is common. An in-depth investigation is necessary to avoid second intervention.

Retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma misdiagnosed as lymphatic cyst:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Primary abdominal and retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma is a vascular tumor and rarely seen in the clinic.Due to the lack of specific imaging features,retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma cannot be diagnosed accurately.Some symptoms may develop with the enlargement of lesion volume or the occurrence of complications such as rupture or oppression.We report here a special case who was admitted with chronic abdominal pain.Admission examination suggested a retroperitoneal lymphatic duct cyst.Laparoscopic resection of the retroperitoneal mass was performed,and histological examination confirmed retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 43-year-old Tibetan woman with intermittent left lower abdominal pain and discomfort 3 years ago.Ultrasonography revealed a cystic mass in the retroperitoneum with clear boundaries,internal septa,and no blood flow signal.Computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)showed an irregular space-occupying mass in the retroperitoneum,and retroperitoneal lymphatic cyst was considered.Plain CT scanning showed multiple cystlike hypo-intense shadows in the retroperitoneum,partially fused into a mass,and no obvious enhancement was found on enhanced scanning.MRI showed multiple irregular clump-like long T1 and long T2 signal shadows above the pancreas,within which linear short T2 signal shadows were seen.Diffusionweighted imaging sequence showed hypo-signal shadows,without obvious enhancement on enhanced scanning.Ultrasound,CT,and MRI all suggested the possibility of retroperitoneal lymphatic cyst.However,the patient was finally diagnosed with retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma by pathological examination.CONCLUSION Retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma is a benign lesion,and it is difficult to make a diagnosis preoperatively.Surgical resection may be the only treatment,which not only allows histopathological confirmation as a diagnostic purpose and excludes any risk of malignancy,but also avoids invasion of adjacent tissues,oppression,and other complications as a therapeutic goal.

Resection of Giant Hepatic Cavernous Hemangiomas after Dissection of the Third Porta Hepatis

Objective To establish a novel and safe operation technique for the resection of giant hepatic cavernous hemangiomas involving the retro-hepatic vena cava.Methods After ligating the hepatic artery of affected lobe, the short hepatic veins at the third porta hepatis were dissected and ligated individually to separate the tumor from the retrohepatic vena cava, followed by the resection of the tumor under intermittent interruption of the porta hepatis.Results A total of 62 giant hepatic cavernous hemangiomas were successfully resected without hepatic vascular exclusion. Right and caudate lobectomies were done in 27 cases, right hemihepatectomies in 5 cases, right upper segmentectomies in 7 cases, right posterior lobec-tomies in 7 cases, extended left and caudate lobectomies in 10 cases, and caudate lobectomies in 6 cases. The blood transfusion requirement during operation was 1 400 ml on average. All did well postoperatively during a follow up of 4 - 84 months.Conclusion It is safe and feasible to resect giant hepatic cavernous hemangioma following dissection of the third porta hepatis. During operation the key step is dissection of the short hepatic veins.

Pancreatic cavernous hemangioma complicated with chronic intracapsular spontaneous hemorrhage:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cavernous hemangioma(pCH)is a rare type of benign vascular tumor.Making the right diagnosis is challenging due to low clinical suspicion and the lack of existing cross-sectional imaging tools to distinguish it from other pancreatic lesions.CASE SUMMARY We describe a male patient,age 18,who presented with a pCH.Computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and ultrasound showed cystic space in the tail of the pancreas.A dark spot sign on the T2 weighted image sequence was observed.Clinically,a mucinous cystic neoplasm with hemorrhage was suspected preoperatively by combining imaging,and the operative indication was clear.The patient underwent a distal pancreatic tumor resection under laparoscopic control.Immunohistochemical staining for CD31 and CD34 was positive;D2-40 was positive in interstitial lymphatic vessels and negative in vascular epithelial cells;and calcium-binding protein was negative.The results support the diagnosis of pCH combined with chronic intracapsular spontaneous hemorrhage.No complications or recurrences were observed during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION Chronic spontaneous hemorrhage may occur in pCH,which may greatly influence the accuracy of diagnosis using imaging modalities.Surgical resection for uncertain pCH seems reasonable with a good outcome.

Manifestations of hepatic cavernous hemangioma in carbon dioxidedigi-tal subtraction angiography

Objective: To describe the characteristic appearance of cavernous hemangioma of the liver (CHL) presented in carbon dioxide digital subtraction angiography (CO2-DSA) and to evaluate the significance of CO2-DSA in the diagnosis of CHL. Methods: Both CO2-DSA and iodinated contrast DSA (IC-DSA) were performed in all 16 patients with CHL, and the angiographic manifestations in the same patients were compared. The image quality was rated by three experienced angiographers, and the complications were also assessed. Results: There was good correlation between angiographers on image quality (R = 0. 73). Diagnostic images were obtained with both CO2-DSA and IC-DSA in all CHL patients. No difference was noted between IC-DSA and CO2-DSA in visualizing the proper hepatic arteries and its branches (P>0. 05). CO2-DSA produced better images that clearly described the tumor size, shape and margination than those by IC-DSA (P< 0. 05), but both demonstrated characteristic appearances of early opacification and persistent contrast enhancement of the tumors. The portal vein branches near the tumors were constantly demonstrated by CO2-DSA in 15 cases (15/16) but only in 2 cases (2/16) by IC-DSA. Conclusion: CO2-DSA is sensitive in CHL diagnosis, and in patients with contraindications to IC or with unsatisfactory imaging results by IC-DSA, CO2-DSA is a good alternative. As show in most cases by CO2-DSA, the portal veins might act as the main drainage vein of CHLs.

Clinical-radiological-pathological correlation of cavernous sinus hemangioma: Incremental value of diffusion-weighted imaging

AIMTo elucidate the clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pathological features of these lesions and asses the incremental value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in diagnosing them. METHODSFifteen consecutive patients (11 females and 4 males; mean age 40.93 years; age range 13-63 years) with cavernous sinus hemangiomas (CSH) who underwent examination between November 2008 and May 2016 were included for the analysis. MRI, clinical and surgical findings of each patient was retrospectively reviewed. DWI were also analysed and mean-apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value was calculated. Eleven patients underwent surgical removal of the lesion and 2 patients had biopsy only. Diagnosis of CSH was confirmed histologically in 13 patients. RESULTSEleven patients (73%) presented with headaches and 10 (66%) had cranial nerve involvement. Extra cavernous sinus extension was noted in 14 (94%). Surgery was performed in 13 (87%) and post-operative radiation was given to 4 (28%) patients. Thirteen patients remained asymptomatic on follow up. Three conspicuous imaging features were highly suggestive of the diagnosis: Lack of diffusion restriction (100%), homogeneous hyperintensity on T2 weighted image sequences (93.3%) and intense post-contrast enhancement (100%). The mean ADC was 1.82 × 10-3 ± 0.2186 cm2/s. CONCLUSIONT1-weighted hypointensity with homogeneous hyperintensity on T2-weighted sequences, intense enhancement and absence of hemosiderin within the lesion on GRE sequence favour the diagnosis. Facilitated diffusion on DWI differentiates CSH from other solid cavernous sinus lesions and significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy, a critical factor for planning surgery.

Giant cavernous liver hemangiomas： is it the time to change the size categories？

BACKGROUND： Four different sizes （4, 5, 8 and 10 cm in diameter） can be found in the literature to categorize a liver hemangioma as giant. The present review aims to clarify the appropriateness of the size category ＂giant＂ for liver heman- gioma. DATA SOURCES： We reviewed the reports on the categoriza- tion of hemangioma published between 1970 and 2014. The number of hemangiomas, size criteria, mean and range of hemangioma sizes, and number of asymptomatic and symp- tomatic patients were investigated in patients aged over 18 years. Liver hemangiomas were divided into four groups： 〈5.0 cm, 5.0-9.9 cm, 10.0-14.9 cm and 〉15.0 cm in diameter. Inclu- sion criteria were noted in 34 articles involving 1972 （43.0%） hemangiomas （〉4.0 cm）. RESULTS： The patients were divided into the following groups： 154 patients （30.0%） with hemangiomas less than 5.0 cm in diameter （small）, 182 （35.5%） between 5.0 cm and 9.9 cm （large）, 75 （14.6%） between 10.0 and 14.9 cm （giant）, and 102 （19.9%） more than 15.0 cm （enormous）. There were 786 （39.9%） asymptomatic patients and 791 （40.1%） symptomatic patients. Indications for surgery related to symptoms were reported in only 75 （3.8%） patients. Operations including 137 non-anatomical resection （12.9%） and 469 enudeation （44.1%） were undearly related to size and symptoms.CONCLUSIONS： The term ＂giant＂ seems to be justified for liver hemangiomas with a diameter of 10 cm. Hemangiomas categorized as ＂giant＂ are not indicated for surgery. Surgery should be performed only when other symptoms are apparent.

Hepatic hemangioma:What internists need to know

Hepatic hemangioma(HH)is the most common benign liver tumor and it is usually found incidentally during radiological studies.This tumor arises from a vascular malformation;however,the pathophysiology has not been clearly elucidated.Symptoms usually correlate with the size and location of the tumor.Less commonly the presence of a large HH may cause life-threatening conditions.The diagnosis can be established by the identification of HH hallmarks in several imaging studies.In patients that present with abdominal symptoms other etiologies should be excluded first before attributing HH as the cause.In asymptomatic patient’s treatment is not required and follow up is usually reserved for HH of more than 5 cm.Symptomatic patients can be managed surgically or with other non-surgical modalities such as transcatheter arterial embolization or radiofrequency ablation.Enucleation surgery has shown to have fewer complications as compared to hepatectomy or other surgical techniques.Progression of the tumor is seen in less than 40%.Hormone stimulation may play a role in HH growth;however,there are no contraindications for hormonal therapy in patients with HH due to the lack of concrete evidence.When clinicians encounter this condition,they should discern between observation and surgical or non-surgical management based on the clinical presentation.

The origin of blood supply for cavernous hemangioma of the liver

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the origin of blood supply to cavernous hemangioma of the liver (CHL). METHODS: To observe the relation of cavernous hemangioma of the liver to the hepatic artery and portal vein, we performed serial selective hepatic arteriography in 22 patients. Five patients after ligation of the right hepatic arteries underwent portography and liver staining by in jection of methylene blue into the portal veins and 2 patients had hepatic specimens resected, which were made into a model cast by filling the hepatic veins (yellow) and portal venous branches (blue) with methyl methacrylate after vascular lavage. RESULTS: Serial selective hepatic arteriography showed that hepatic arteries and hemangioma were displayed simultaneously, and that hemangioma was supplied by one to numerous arterial branches. In the portal phase of portography, contrast medium failed to enter the tumor and the intrahepatic branches of the portal vein were pushed aside by the tumor; in the liver parenchymal phase, however, the tumor appeared to be a low-density area. Hepatic arteriography and portography revealed that the fistula between the artery and portal vein may not be existed. The liver stained with methylene blue showed that the normal hepatic parenchyma could be stained with deep blue; in contrast, the tumor was not stained at all. The casting specimens showed that the eroded tumor left a round vacant area because of its total shedding, and no blue stained branches of the portal vein extended into the tumor. CONCLUSION: Blood supply of CHL may originate from the hepatic artery.

Retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma resected by a pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy

A retroperitoneal hemangioma is a rare disease. We report on the diagnosis and treatment of a retroperitoneal hemangioma which had uncommonly invaded into both the pancreas and duodenum, thus requiring a pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PpPD). A 36-year-old man presented to our hospital with abdominal pain. An enhanced computed tomography scan without contrast enhancement revealed a 12 cm × 9 cm mass between the pancreas head and right kidney. Given the high rate of malignancy associated with retroperitoneal tumors, surgical resection was performed. Intraoperatively, the tumor was inseparable from both the duodenum and pancreas and PpPD was performed due to the invasive behavior. Although malignancy was suspected, pathological diagnosis identified the tumor as a retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma for which surgical resection was the proper diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. Reteoperitoneal cavernous hemangioma is unique in that it is typically separated from the surrounding organs. However, clinicians need to be aware of the possibility of a case, such as this, which has invaded into the surrounding organs despite its benign etiology. From this case, we recommend that combined resection of inseparable organs should be performed if the mass has invaded into other tissues due to the hazardous nature of local recurrence. In summary, this report is the first to describe a case of retroperitoneal hemangioma that had uniquely invaded into surrounding organs and was treated with PpPD.

Radiofrequency ablation for hepatic hemangiomas: A consensus from a Chinese panel of experts

Recent studies have shown that radiofrequency(RF) ablation therapy is a safe, feasible, and effective procedure for hepatic hemangiomas, even huge hepatic hemangiomas. RF ablation has the following advantages in the treatment of hepatic hemangiomas: minimal invasiveness, definite efficacy, high safety, fast recovery, relatively simple operation, and wide applicability. It is necessary to formulate a widely accepted consensus among the experts in China who have extensive expertise and experience in the treatment of hepatic hemangiomas using RF ablation, which is important to standardize the application of RF ablation for the management of hepatic hemangiomas, regarding the selection of patients with suitable indications to receive RF ablation treatment, the technical details of the techniques, therapeutic effect evaluations, management of complications, etc. A final consensus by a Chinese panel of experts who have the expertise of using RF ablation to treat hepatic hemangiomas was reached by means of literature review, comprehensive discussion, and draft approval.

Source of blood supply of liver cavernous hemangioma and sclerosis and embolization treatment

AIM To investigate the source of blood supply of carvenous hemangioma of liver (CHL) and provide a feasibile treatment for CHL via hepatic artery. METHODS Ⅰ. Origin of blood supply of CHL: portovenography, hepatic arteriography and portal vein staining were performed in 5 patients. Two casts of hepatic blood vessels from resected specimen were observed. Ⅱ. Clinical data: Among 75 patients (30 males, 45 females, aged 25～57 years with a mean of 37 4). 56 were of solitary type (44 on the right lobe, 12 on the left with 4 having intraparenchymatoma) and 19 were of multiple type (9 on the right, 2 the left, 8 whole liver). Twenty two patients were treated by sclerosis, 50 by embolization via hepatic artery and 3 were excised. RESULTS In 5 cases with portography, the contrast medium did not enter the tumor, the tumor appeared as low denty area and the intrahepatic branches of portal vein were pushed aside. In 5 cases with portal vein staining, the normal liver parenchyma was stained deep blue, and the tumor was not stained. The tumor area appeared as a round vacant cavity in 2 specimen casts. In 72 patients treated with sclerosis a or embolization via hepatic artery or through interventional method, the tumors diminished by 10%～30% in diameter and no tumors grew larger. CONCLUSION The blood supply of CHL originates from the hepatic artery. Tumors treated with sclerosis and emblization decreased in size or got fiberized.

Laparoscopic hepatectomy is superior to open procedures for hepatic hemangioma

Background:Laparoscopic hepatectomy(LH)has become increasingly popular for liver neoplasms,but its safety and effectiveness remain controversial.Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign liver neoplasm;the main approaches to hepatic hemangiomas include open hepatectomy(OH)and LH.In this study,we compared early outcomes between patients undergoing OH and those with LH.Methods:Patients underwent OH or LH in our hospital for hepatic hemangiomas between December 2013 and December 2017 were enrolled.All patients underwent comprehensive preoperative evaluations.The clinicopathological index and risk factors of hemangioma resection were assessed.Results:In total,41 patients underwent OH while 53 underwent LH.There was no significant difference in any preoperative clinical variables,including liver function,prothrombin time,or platelet count.Hepatic portal occlusion time and operative time were 39.74 vs.38.35 minutes(P=0.717)and 197.20 vs.203.68 minutes(P=0.652)in the OH and LH groups,respectively.No mortality nor significant perioperative complications were observed between the two groups.In LH group,two cases were converted to OH,one for an oversized tumor and the other for hemorrhage.Compared with OH patients,those with LH had less blood loss(361.69 vs.437.81 m L,P=0.024),shorter postoperative hospital stay(7.98 vs.11.07 days,P=0.001),and lower postoperative C-reactive protein(43.63 vs.58.21 mg/L,P=0.026).Conclusions:LH is superior to OH in terms of postoperative recovery and blood loss for selected patients with hepatic hemangioma.

Adhesion of cavernous hemangioma in the orbit revealed by CT and MRI:analysis of 97 cases

AIM: To assess features of cavernous hemangioma (CH) in the orbit revealed by CT and MRI and summarize prediction of preoperative CT and MRI for the adhesion degree of CH in the orbit. METHODS: A total of 97 patients with pathologically confirmed CH in the orbit were examined with axial and coronal CT scan, and axial, coronal, sagittal, and enhanced fat suppression MRI scan. CT and MRI findings and intraoperative adhesion degrees were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: There were 47 patients with slight adhesion, for whom CT and MRI showed round masses with well defined margins in the extraocular muscles; 14 patients with mild adhesion, for whom CT and MRI revealed irregular masses with unclear boundary between CH and the optic nerve in coronal images, and emissary veins in the posterior region of masses in contrast-enhanced images; 36 patients with severe adhesion, for whom CT and MRI exhibited an irregular or ovoid mass filling the orbital apex, or showed distorted and even spiky margins in the posterior region of masses in contrast enhanced images at the presence of a transparent triangle between the mass and the orbital apex. CONCLUSION: Preoperative CT and MRI aid in accurate diagnosis, selection of the surgical approach, and assessment of the adhesion degree and surgical risks for CH.