Endoscopic management of Atypical sellar cavernous hemangioma: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: supratentorial cavernous hemangiomas, particularly those found in the sellar region, are extremely rare. We present a case of sellar cavernous hemangioma with radiological characteristics that have never been reported. Due to the difficulty diagnosing these lesions, misdiagnosis might occur. Thus, briefing surgeons about the clinico-radiological features of such rare lesions is crucial for better understanding the enigmatic features of such rare lesions and to develop early management approaches that could result in better surgical excision with a lower tendency for complications. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 43-year-old male presented with headache, blurred vision, and impotence for the last 2 years. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed an atypical sellar mass displaying signals of heterogeneous intensity on T1- and T2-weighted imaging. The mass exhibited heterogeneous enhancement after gadolinium injection. Endoscopic endonasal surgery was subsequently performed, during which an uneventful subtotal resection of the mass was achieved. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of intrasellar cavernous hemangioma. DISCUSSION: Many questions regarding how best to manage such lesions remain unanswered. Hence, we summarize the relevant surgical techniques and discuss misconceptions. CONCLUSION: Seller cavernous hemangioma (SCH) is an extremely rare lesion that can be misdiagnosed. It is characterized by clinico-radiological features similar to those of other lesions such as pituitary macroadenoma and should be included in the differential diagnosis. The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal (EET) approach with subtotal/total resection appears to be a feasible option for debulking, with less surgical complications. Nonetheless, combining stereotactic radiosurgery will reduce postsurgical morbidities.