Primary Intracranial Angioleiomyoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND

Angioleiomyoma is a benign soft tissue tumor that manifests as pain and is more common in the extremities. However, primary intracranial angioleiomyoma is an extremely rare entity that is poorly characterized clinically, radiologically, and histopathologically. We compiled and examined reported cases of intracranial angioleiomyoma to provide an up-to-date summary of the condition. A literature search was performed using PubMed with specific key terms. Selected case studies and case series were then compared, and statistical analyses were performed where appropriate.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 59-year-old woman presented with epileptic seizures and a 2-month history of progressive headache. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a right temporal pole tumor near the right cavernous sinus. Gross total resection was performed. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination demonstrated an angioleiomyoma. No adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy was administered. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain performed at 6-month follow-up showed no signs of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary intracranial angioleiomyoma is an exceedingly rare central nervous system tumor. The clinical and radiologic manifestations are nonspecific. The diagnosis depends on the histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination. For patients with clinical symptoms, surgical resection should be the first-choice treatment.