Intramuscular hemangioma of the scalene musculature masquerading as a paraganglioma: a case series

Abstract

Intramuscular hemangiomas (IMHs) are uncommon benign vascular lesions, which develop in skeletal muscle. Herein, two cases of IMHs involving the cervical scalene musculature are presented. Such lesions are exceedingly rare, and can be difficult to distinguish from vagal paragangliomas based on clinical presentation, exam, and radiography. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice, and was successful in our two index patients. While rare, IMHs of the scalene muscles should be considered in the differential diagnosis of deep neck space masses.