[A case of multifocal cavernous haemangiomas of the lung, spleen and bone]

Abstract

Introduction: Haemangiomas are vascular malformations, frequently cutaneous, hepatic and splenic. Respiratory involvement and multiple localisations are uncommon.

Case report: We present a rare case of multiple cavernous haemangiomas in a 35 year old woman presenting with repeated haemoptysis. Thoracic CT scanning showed a mass in the left lower lobe associated with lymph node enlargement above and below the diaphragm, heterogeneous splenomegaly and a single spinal lesion without hypermetabolism on PET scanning. Enbronchial ultrasound-guided trans-bronchial needle aspiration was not contributory. Histopathological diagnostic was made firstly by splenectomy with lumbar-aortic curettage and then by lobectomy for haemostasis. A final diagnosis of multiple cavernous haemangiomas involving lung, lymph nodes, spleen and bone was made.

Conclusions: Bronchopulmonary cavernous haemangiomas associated with extra-thoracic lesions are exceptionally rare and their presentation, suggesting, a malignant cause, often leads to surgical resection for diagnostic and, eventually, therapeutic management. We report an original case of cavernous haemangiomas involving lung, lymph nodes, spleen and bone.

Keywords: Cavernous haemangiomas; Haemoptysis; Hémangiome caverneux; Hémoptysie; Lung tumours; Splenic tumours.; Tumeurs du poumon; Tumeurs spléniques.