Capillary hemangioma of the central nervous system.
OBJECTIVE
Capillary hemangiomas are benign tumors or tumorlike lesions that originate from blood vessels and have rarely been reported to develop in the brain or spinal cord. The authors summarize the clinical and histological features of capillary hemangiomas of the central nervous system (CNS).


METHODS
The clinical features, imaging characteristics, and outcomes in 10 patients with CNS capillary hemangiomas were reviewed. Histological studies included immunostaining with CD31, alpha-smooth muscle actin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and Ki-67 antigen. Three patients with lesions in the brain presented with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure or seizures. Seven patients with lesions in the spinal cord presented with progressive sensorimotor disturbances of the lower limbs. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated well-defined, enhancing lesions associated with marked perifocal edema. Angiography demonstrated hypervascular lesions, which have not recurred after resection. In two cases, multiple satellite lesions resolved after the systemic administration of steroid drugs or interferon-alpha. Histologically, all lesions were consistent with findings of capillary hemangioma of the skin or soft tissues. The CNS lesions differed significantly from other vascular neoplasms, such as hemangioendotheliomas, hemangiopericytomas, and hemangioblastomas.


CONCLUSIONS
Capillary hemangiomas of the CNS are benign lesions that can be surgically removed and cured without adjuvant therapy.
Abe
Masamitsu
M
Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan. abem@post.saga-med.ac.jp
Tabuchi
Kazuo
K
Tanaka
Shin
S
Hodozuka
Akira
A
Kunishio
Katsuzo
K
Kubo
Naohiko
N
Nishimura
Yukimasa
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D020785:Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D018324:Hemangioma, Capillary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019043:Vascular Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology