Angioleiomyoma in the sellar region: a report of 2 cases and literature review

Abstract

Objectives To report the cases of angioleiomyoma involving the sellar region and to review and summarize the characteristics of the disease combining with literature. Methods From June 2011 to June 2015, the clinical data of 2 patients with angioleiomyoma in the sellar region treated and confirmed by pathology in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. Results Two patients were diagnosed as pituitary tumor by imaging before procedure. They had excessive bleeding during the operation and the total resection was difficult. The maximum tumor diameter was 3.0 cm in one of them. The tissue biopsy was conducted only with transsphenoidal microscopicsurgery. The patient received postoperative gamma knife therapy and was followed up for 4 years. The tumor had a tendency of sustained shrinkage. The maximum diameter of the tumor was 3.7 cm in 1 case. The tumor was resected partially with transsphenoidal microscopicsurgery. The patient was treated with gamma knife after procedure, and he was lost to follow up. After operation, HE staining showed that there were a lot of blood vessels, smooth muscles, and collagen tissues in the tumor tissues. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expressions of CD34, α-SMA, Ⅷ factor, CD31 and collagen Ⅰ- Ⅲ were positive. Conclusions The diagnosis of vascular leiomyomas is difficult before procedure, mainly based on pathology. The operation is difficult. Gamma knife therapy is helpful in controlling the tumors. Key words: Angioleiomyoma; Sella turcica; Disease attributes; Neurosurgical procedures; Radiosurgery