Histopathological and CT features of pulmonary sclerosing haemangiomas

AIM: To demonstrate the computed tomography (CT) features of pulmonary sclerosing haemangiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six pathologically proven sclerosing haemangiomas were included in this retrospective review. Patients consisted of five women and one man aged 20-54 years (mean, 34.5 years). Their CT features were recorded according to enhancement patterns and the presence of a tail sign, prominent pulmonary artery sign, air-trapping sign, presence of calcification or cystic spaces, consolidation, and interstitial infiltration. The predominant composition of an individual sclerosing haemangioma was documented by means of microscopy. RESULTS: Inhomogeneous; enhancement was frequently present and depended on the various compositions of the tumours, especially those in sclerotic and predominantly papillary predominant types. The presence of a tail sign, intra-tumoural cystic areas, and a prominent artery sign were the frequent features in our cases. CONCLUSION: Sclerosing haemangioma should be considered in young or middle-aged female patients whose CT images show them having an inhomogeneous enhancing soft tissue mass with a smooth outline and with above the aforementioned features. (C) 2003 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.