Imaging characteristics of Intrasellar cavernous hemangioma: A case report

RATIONALE: 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. PATIENT CONCERNS: 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. DIAGNOSIS: An intrasellar cavernous hemangioma based on neuroradiological examinations. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent surgery with an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to debulk the lesion and obtain tissue for the pathological diagnosis. OUTCOMES: 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. LESSONS: 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.