[Pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma: report of 15 cases and review of the literature].

OBJECTIVE

To improve the understanding of pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma (PSH).

METHODS

The clinical data of 15 cases of PSH were analyzed, and the literature was reviewed. The etiology, clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, treatment and outcome of PSH were described.

RESULTS

The etiology and histological origin of PSH were unclear. Most cases were asymptomatic or only with mild symptoms. The radiology of PSH often showed isolated nodule with distinct margin in the lung field. The characteristics of its pathological manifestation were as follows: (1) background of cell gathering or mucin matrix with scattered white blood cells; (2) proliferation of hemangioma with sclerosis of vessel wall; (3) papillary proliferation of small vessels intruding into the air space; (4) existence of hemorrhage or sclerosis zone. Immunohistological studies had not defined the correct histological origin of PSH. A pre-operation diagnosis of PSH was difficult. Thirteen cases had been misdiagnosed as malignancy. The outcome of the disease was good when early surgical resection was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

PSH is an uncommon disease, and can be easily misdiagnosed. More attention should be paid to its clinical features and management.