Prognosis

Intramuscular hemangioma

Intramuscular hemangioma is a rare condition; it differs from infantile hemangioma simply because it occurs in patients older than children (Image 9.4).

Image 9.4 T1 and T2 MRI images of intramuscular hemangioma of the leg.

This condition is commonly confused with other hemangiomas. Most cases described as "intramuscular hemangioma" in the literature actually represent soft tissue venous malformations. This confusion cause inappropriate referrals, imaging studies and even therapeutic interventions in significant number of patients. Therefore, it is important to distinguish these two conditions (intramuscular hemangioma versus soft tissue venous malformation).

Intramuscular hemangioma can be seen in any age, commonly diagnosed in early adulthood. In contrast to venous malformations, intramuscular hemangiomas have arterial feeders and in contrast to AVMs, these vascular birthmarks do not demonstrate arteriovenous shunting.

Overall, these lesions are benign anomalies. However, most lesions are problematic causing pain and discomfort and demonstrate progressive enlargement in some patients. Because of the fact that they are located in the muscle tissue, most patients experience various degrees of pain.