Intramuscular haemangioma of abductor hallucis muscle - A rare case report

Introduction: Haemangioma is a slow growing benign soft tissue tumor and its presentation in the foot is rare. Intramuscular haemangioma (IH) are usually found before 30 years of age, with gender predominance is still inconclusive.

Presentation of case: An 18-year-old woman came with pain and mass in the left foot for the past 3 years. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the left foot shown a heterogenous multilobulated mass, with previously thought originated from flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle. Wide excision was performed and intraoperative findings showed that the mass actually originated from abductor hallucis muscle. Post-operative histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous-type of intramuscular haemangioma.

Discussion: The rare occurrence of intramuscular haemangioma of the foot can cause a delayed diagnosis and treatment to the patient. The differential diagnosis include lipoma, fibroma, enlargement of the lymph nodes, compartment syndrome, hematoma, hernia, and soft-tissue sarcoma. Anytime a soft tissue mass is identified in the skeletal muscle of a young adult, haemangioma should be considered.

Conclusion: Literature research identified very few cases of intramuscular haemangioma of the foot. Wide excision of the muscle is a feasible surgical treatment option.