MRI Features of Atypical Cavernous Hemangioma Showing Central Filling Defect: A Case Report

Abstract

Cavernous hemangioma is a benign tumor composed of vascular structures and connective tissue. Typical imaging findings of cavernous sinus cavernous hemangioma are a well-defined contour-bulging mass, with homogeneous high signal intensity on T2-weighted images (T2WI), marked homogeneous enhancement of the cavernous sinus, and some sellar extension on magnetic resonance images. However, we experienced an unusual case of cavernous hemangioma, with central filling defects on delayed contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images and central, dark signal intensities on T2WI, which made the diagnosis difficult. The central portion of the lesion was pathologically consistent with central thrombosis. We present the clinical and imaging findings of this unusual case of cavernous hemangioma.

Keywords

• cavernous hemangioma
• magnetic resonance imaging
• cavernous sinus
• image enhancement
• brain neoplasm