An intramuscular hemangioma of the semispinalis muscle: A case report.

Intramuscular hemangiomas are uncommon benign endotheliomas that typically occur in the trunk and limbs. Head and neck involvement is relatively infrequent, with the masseter muscle being the most commonly affected site. We present a rare case of intramuscular hemangiomas arising from the semispinalis muscle. A 31-year-old male presented with a painless swelling in the left upper neck region, gradually increasing in size over the past year. Imaging studies revealed a well-defined mass originating from the semispinalis muscle. Surgical excision was performed successfully, and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a mixed intramuscular hemangioma. The patient remained recurrence-free during the 2-year follow-up period. Intramuscular hemangiomas in the posterior neck muscles are rare, with only a few reported cases. Wide surgical resection with control of feeding vessels is the optimal treatment, and follow-up is recommended to monitor for local recurrence. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and successful surgical management of intramuscular hemangiomas in a unique location, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this rare tumor.

Determining the optimal time to assess the reversibility of airway obstruction.

CONTEXT: The optimal time to interpret bronchodilator reversibility remains controversial. This time may affect a positive diagnosis and manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). AIMS: We sought to document the time when maximum respiratory function is reached after inhalation of salbutamol and to define the optimal time of bronchodilator response to assess the reversibility or non reversibility of airway obstruction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective analytical study was spread over 8 months and included 58 patients with asthma or COPD with airway obstruction. Spirometry was performed before and at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 min after salbutamol inhalation (200 mcg) administered through pressurized metered-dose inhalers and large volume spacer. RESULTS: After salbutamol inhalation, the mean individual peak bronchodilation occurred at 20 min for the forced vital capacity and at 30 min for the forced expiratory volume in 1 s. The percentage of reversible patients in our sample was guideline dependent. It increased from 53% to 67.2% when using the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society definition compared to using the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. The maximum number of reversible patients was significantly different at 20 min compared to 5 and 10 min. CONCLUSIONS: Interpreting bronchodilator reversibility after 20 min was the ideal time to judge the reversibility or nonreversibility in obstructive ventilatory disorders in adults.