Cavernous Hemangioma of the Gallbladder Masquerading as a Carcinoma

Abstract

Cavernous hemangioma arising from the gallbladder is extremely rare. Here, we report a cavernous hemangioma of the gallbladder masquerading as a carcinoma. A 75-year-old man was referred to our institution for a follow-up study after gastrectomy. Abdominal computed tomography revealed that the gallbladder was filled with a low-density mass with calcification of the wall. The patient underwent extended cholecystectomy. Histologically, the tumor consisted of vascular endothelial cellular elements and hematomas. The postoperative course was uneventful without complications. Presently, only 7 cases of cavernous hemangioma of the gallbladder have been previously reported. This case serves as an important reminder to consider benign tumors including cavernous hemangioma when investigating all possible causes of a gallbladder tumor.

First report of a gallbladder hemangioma coexisting with gallstones: a case report and literature review of a rare finding

“…Gallbladder hemangioma represents an exceedingly rare entity with only ten cases described in literature hitherto (Table 1 and Fig. 1 ) [ 9 – 18 ]. We here report the first case of a gallbladder hemangioma coexisting with gallstones.…”

“…Overall, gallbladder hemangiomas have been reported to occur at a mean age of 54 ± 17 years old [range: 11–76] and predominantly in males (8/11) [ 9 – 18 ]. Interestingly, females tend to be younger at diagnosis than males (37 ± 23 years old vs .…”

“…1 Summary of gallbladder hemangiomas reported to date. Data regarding pre-operative diagnosis, hemangioma location, associated features and macroscopic/microscopic features of all previously reported cases [ 9 – 18 ] are presented. Source: Figure 1 was created using BioRender.com .…”

Spontaneous Rupture of Gallbladder Hemangioma Presenting as Hemoperitoneum

“…They may present as a gallbladder mass and mimic gallbladder carcinoma. 1 Carcinoma gallbladder arises from mucosa unlike hemangioma, which is submucosal. Gallbladder carcinoma can present as subtle wall thickening, a polyp, or an infiltrating mass, whereas hemangioma is usually a well-defined mass with maintained mucosal integrity.…”

“…When presenting as a gallbladder mass, it forms one of the differential diagnoses for carcinoma gallbladder. 1 Although spontaneous rupture of liver hemangioma is documented, ruptured gallbladder hemangioma has not been reported so far. 2 We describe a rare case of gallbladder hemangioma, which presented as an acute abdomen and shock due to spontaneous rupture.…”