Radiologic Misunderstanding of Cutaneous Angiomyolipoma in the Alar Base

Abstract

In this article, we will examine a case of cutaneous angiomyolipoma in the right nasal alar base area of a 36-year-old man. Generally, angiomyolipoma occurs in the kidney and, histologically, has features that are similar to cutaneous angiomyolipoma: smooth muscle cells, mature adipose cells, and a convoluted thick-walled blood vessel. Clinically, renal angiomyolipoma is related to tuberous sclerosis, but cutaneous angiomyolipomas occur very rarely, with a total of only 23 cases documented in the literature, with 39% (9/23) of those cases occurring in the ear or surrounding areas. In particular, the abundance of blood vessels inside a cutaneous angiomyolipoma produces good enhancement on computed tomographic image, making it easy for the tumor to be mistaken for a vascular tumor. In this particular case, we will report about a previously unheard case of cutaneous angiomyolipoma occurring in the nasal alar base that was mistaken for a vascular tumor.

Cutaneous Angiomyolipoma—A Distinct Entity That Should Be Separated From Classic Angiomyolipoma: Complete Review of Existing Cases and Defining Fundamental Features

“…Owing to its superficial location and easily accessible surgical approach, imaging studies are usually unnecessary for diagnosis. In the few cases reported, CT and MRI confirmed adipose and vascular components [33], similar to classic AMLs' radiologic findings.…”

Supraclavicular extra-renal angiomyolipoma: a challenging diagnosis

“…2 Cutaneous AML is a rare diagnosis with only 24 cases reported in literature. 3 The cutaneous/extrarenal AML differ from renal AML demographically, as the former is more common in men while renal AML is commoner in women. 1 Extra-renal AML has no known association with tuberous sclerosis (TS) whereas renal AML has well-established association with TS.…”

“…Cutaneous AML was first reported by Fitzpatrick et al in 1990, and it was synonymously called angiolipoleiomyoma 2. Cutaneous AML is a rare diagnosis with only 24 cases reported in literature 3. The cutaneous/extra-renal AML differ from renal AML demographically, as the former is more common in men while renal AML is commoner in women 1.…”