Angioleiomyoma of the falx

Authors

  • Susana Calle
  • David N Louis
  • Richard Westmark
  • Kaye Westmark

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v10i4.2713

Keywords:

Angioleiomyoma, falx, dural, tumor, benign, extra-axial, neoplasm, intracranial, computed tomography, CT, magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, angiomyoma, vascular leiomyoma, angioma, falcine

Abstract

A 43-year-old man arrived at the emergency department following a syncopal episode. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance images demonstrated a small interhemispheric, anterior parafalcine mass that mimicked a meningioma. Surgical excision and subsequent pathologic evaluation revealed an angioleiomyoma and the patient recovered without incident. Angioleiomyomas are classified as benign smooth muscle tumors and are classically seen in adult females arising in the soft tissues of the lower extremities. Although rare, these masses have been described in various intracranial locations, usually extra-axially. A comprehensive review of the literature and discussion are provided, emphasizing histopathologic and imaging features of this uncommon intracranial neoplasm.

Author Biographies

Susana Calle

Neuroradiology Fellow
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging
University of Texas at Houston

David N Louis

Pathologist-in-Chief, Department of PathologyMassachusetts General HospitalBenjamin Castleman Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School

Richard Westmark

Department of NeurosurgeryHouston Spine and Neurosurgery Center

Kaye Westmark

Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging
University of Texas at Houston

Published

2016-04-27

Issue

Section

Neuroradiology