A rare case of glomangiopericytoma in the nasal cavity: A case report in light of recent literature

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022 Apr 28:77:103685. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103685. eCollection 2022 May.

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Glomangiopericytoma (GPC) is a rare sinonasal tumor that behaves benignly with a long overall survival rate. It accounts for fewer than 0.5% of all sinonasal tumors.

Case presentation: We report the case of a 64-year-old man who presented with recurrent episodes of epistaxis. Rhinoscopy revealed a left posterior nasal septal mass with active oozing. Computed tomography (CT) showed a well-defined soft tissue lesion in the left nasal cavity measuring 1.95 × 1.51 cm. Complete endoscopic resection was successfully performed. Histopathological findings favored the diagnosis of GPC as it revealed tumor cells positive for smooth muscle actin and β-catenin with immunopositivity for CD34.

Clinical discussion: Presenting symptoms of GPC are predominated by epistaxis and nasal obstruction. Since CT and MRI merely lead to a presumptive diagnosis, histopathological findings are indispensable. Complete surgical excision of GPC remains the treatment of choice with excellent prognosis, especially when immunohistochemistry is positive for actin and CD34 immunostaining is negative.

Conclusion: GPC is a rare indolent tumor of pericytes that has a macroscopic appearance of a nasal polyp, which may result in uncertainty in the initial diagnosis. In most cases, GPC warrants only local excision. This case report adds to the literature and helps galvanize the developing clinical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Case report; Glomangiopericytoma; Histology; Nasal cavity; Rare; Sinonasal tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports