Intramuscular Hemangioma of the Flexor Digitorum Brevis of Foot Presenting as a Dermoid Cyst: A Rare Case

Authors

Dr Puneet Mallikarjun, Final year PG Scholar (Shalya tantra) Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Postgraduate Sudies and Research Center A Constituent unit of KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research Center, Deemed to be university Belgavi, KarnatakaFollow
Dr Kale Ajay P, USM-KLE IMP, KLE CCH, Yellur Road, Belagavi, Karnataka, IndiaFollow
Dr. Akshay Kumar, Final year PG Scholar (Shalya tantra) Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Postgraduate Sudies and Research Center A Constituent unit of KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research Center, Deemed to be university Belgavi, KarnatakaFollow
Dr Pradeep S Shindhe, Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Postgraduate Sudies and Research Center A Constituent unit of KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research Center,Deemed to be university Belgavi, KarnatakaFollow
Dr Ramesh Killedar, Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Postgraduate Sudies and Research Center A Constituent unit of KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research Center,Deemed to be university Belgavi, KarnatakaFollow

Keywords

Intramuscular hemangioma, Plantar foot, Dermoid cyst, Flexor digitorum brevis, Surgical excision, Vascular tumour

Abstract

Introduction: Intramuscular hemangiomas (IH) are rare, benign vascular tumours that account for less than 1% of all hemangiomas, with the plantar region being an extremely uncommon site. Their clinical presentation often mimics other soft tissue lesions, leading to diagnostic challenges.

Case Presentation: We report a case of a 57-year-old female presenting with a 25-year history of progressive swelling on the plantar surface of the left foot, initially diagnosed as a dermoid cyst based on clinical examination and ultrasonography. Surgical exploration revealed a vascular lesion originating from the flexor digitorum brevis, and histopathology confirmed it to be an intramuscular hemangioma. Complete surgical excision was performed, followed by an uneventful recovery and no recurrence at follow-up.

Discussion: IHs in the foot are rarely reported due to the limited muscle bulk in this region. Their deep location and slow-growing nature often lead to misdiagnosis. MRI is considered the gold standard for diagnosis, though in this case, diagnosis was confirmed intraoperatively and through histopathological examination. Surgical excision remains the definitive treatment, with sclerotherapy considered in select cases.

Conclusion: This case emphasizes the diagnostic difficulty of IHs in uncommon sites like the plantar foot and underlines the role of surgical excision in both treatment and definitive diagnosis. Early recognition and proper management are essential to prevent complications and recurrence.

Recommended Citation

Mallikarjun, Dr Puneet; P, Dr Kale Ajay; Kumar, Dr. Akshay; Shindhe, Dr Pradeep S; and Killedar, Dr Ramesh (2025) "Intramuscular Hemangioma of the Flexor Digitorum Brevis of Foot Presenting as a Dermoid Cyst: A Rare Case," Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU: Vol. 18: Iss. 3, Article 10.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.71355/2542-6222.1725
Available at: https://kleijhsbr.researchcommons.org/journal/vol18/iss3/10

Pages

296

Last Page

303