Anastomosing haemangioma of the mediastinum: Clinicopathological series with radiological and genetic characterisation

Aims: Anastomosing haemangiomas are benign tumours with anastomosing vascular channels that may mimic angiosarcoma. While anastomosing haemangiomas have been described in diverse locations, particularly the abdominal/paraspinal region, data on anastomosing haemangiomas in the mediastinum remain limited. We report the clinicopathological, radiological and molecular characteristics of the largest single-institutional series of mediastinal anastomosing haemangiomas.Methods and results: In our pathology archives in 2011-23, we reviewed all vascular lesions involving the mediastinum and identified seven anastomosing haemangiomas. Clinical information was abstracted from medical charts; available radiological imaging was reviewed. Targeted DNA-based next-generation sequencing (447 genes, including GNAQ and GNA11) was performed on five cases. The seven patients included five women and two men, with an age range of 55-77 (median = 72) years. Of the six tumours with available radiology, two each were in the prevascular, visceral and paravertebral mediastinum, with lobulated peripheral enhancement in all tumours examined with contrast enhancement. Six patients underwent tumour resection; one patient received proton radiotherapy. Microscopically, each tumour was solitary and characterised by anastomosing capillary-sized vessels lined by hobnail endothelial cells. Fibrin microthrombi, hyaline globules and extramedullary haematopoiesis were common. In the five tumours analysed by next-generation sequencing, GNAQ p.Q209P was identified in one tumour; no additional reportable alterations were identified in the remaining cases. No recurrence was noted in the four patients with available follow-up of 3-58 (median = 9.5) months after resection.Conclusion: While mediastinal anastomosing haemangiomas can microscopically mimic angiosarcoma, awareness of this entity and radiological correlation may help to circumvent this diagnostic pitfall.

Automated summary

This study reports the clinicopathological, radiological, and molecular characteristics of mediastinal anastomosing haemangiomas, including seven patients with a median age of 72 years. The tumors showed anastomosing capillary-sized vessels on radiology and had no recurrence after surgery.