Intramuscular Hemangioma of the Masseter Muscle: Its Characteristic Appearance on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

A 10-year-old girl presented with a 6-month history of right facial swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tumor in the masseter muscle. On exploration through a preauricular incision, a vascular mass was found located in the lateral aspect of the right masseter muscle. The characteristic MRI appearance of the intramuscular hemangioma of the masseter muscle is shown and the value of MRI for a preoperative differential diagnosis is discussed.

Intramuscular hemangioma of the masseter muscle

“…Low-signal linear structures throughout the lesion represent the fibrofatty septa between vessels. In general, the preoperative information provided by MRI is much more useful clinically than other radiographic methods [7].…”

“…Surgical approaches to IMH have included intraoral excisions, superficial parotidectomies and preauricular incisions with superficial skin flaps that permit identification and preservation of the peripheral branches of the facial nerve [5,7,9,14]. We used a preauricular post-tragal incision for cosmetic reasons, with elevation of skin flaps.…”

Intramuscular hemangioma of masseter muscle in an 8-year-old patient – Advanced imaging investigations and management

“…MRI is a superior imaging modality that helps in delineating the deep seated intramuscular hemangioma. The MRI findings of an intramuscular hemangioma consist of intermediate signal on T1W images and intense signal on T2W images, but not all intramuscular hemangiomas will elicit hyperintense signal on T2W MRI [7,8]. Arteriography is indicated to identify large vessel communication in the lesion.…”

Intramuscular hemangioma of posterior neck muscles

“…Recently, MRI has demonstrated its effectiveness in the management of soft-tissue tumors [7,12]. The more accurate differentiation between fat and muscle with MRI allows better appreciation of the extent and the delimitation of the lesion.…”