Skull Base Leiomyomas and Angioleiomyomas: A Systematic Literature Review and an Uncommon Case Report

Abstract

Skull base leiomyomas (LMs) and angioleiomyomas (ALMs) are rare, and the understanding of this disease is limited. We present a systematic literature review of skull base LM and ALM and report a case of internal auditory canal (IAC) ALM. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Embase were systematically queried for skull base LM and ALM, and Rayyan QCRI was used for the review. After applying exclusion criteria, individual articles were evaluated for quality control, data collection, and analysis. The presentation, management, and outcome of a 37-year-old man with a right-sided IAC ALM are described. Of 68 unique entries, 27 studies were included. Thirty-four cases of skull base LM (n= 6) or ALM (n= 28) were identified. Average age at presentation was 45.1 ± 14.5 years, and 52.9% of patients were male. Tumor diameter was 2.75 ± 1.6 cm, with headaches being the most reported symptom. Commonly reported locations were the cavernous sinus and the external auditory canal. Only 3 cases of IAC ALM met the criteria for this review. All tumors were treated with surgery, and gross total resection was achieved in 27 patients. Radiation was given in 3 cases with subtotal resection. Skull base LM and ALM are rare. Given the need for pathology, surgery has been the standard treatment for symptomatic skull base LM and ALM. It is important to understand the available data about this disease and consider it in the differential of skull base lesions.