Capillary hemangioma of the external oblique muscle: A case report

Intramuscular hemangiomas (IMH) are rare benign vascular tumors. They can occur anywhere in the body but are more common in the head and neck. Their location in the muscles of the abdominal wall is uncommon. A 14-year-old girl presented with 5 months of progressive swelling on the right side of her abdomen followed by intermittent pain. On examination, a solitary mass with ill-defined borders was noted fixed to the subcutaneous tissue in the right lumbar quadrant. After elevating the right leg, the swelling became more prominent. Doppler ultrasonography revealed a mixed echogenic mass in the subcutaneous plane of the anterior abdominal wall of the right lumbar region. Magnetic resonance imaging of abdomen was suggestive of hemangioma, and the patient underwent surgical excision. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of capillary hemangioma. During follow-up at 3 and 6 months, the patient did not present with recurrence and was healthy. Although IMH is a rare soft-tissue tumor, it should be considered when diagnosing symptomatic intramuscular swelling. • Intramuscular hemangiomas (IMH) are rare benign vascular tumors. • IMH is common in the initial years and is ubiquitous, with various symptomatic presentations. • This is the first reported case of intramuscular capillary hemangioma of the external oblique muscle. • Doppler ultrasonography and MRI aid in the diagnostic evaluation. • Complete surgical excision is recommended for patients with progressive disease.