Multifocal and hormone-dependent epithelioid hemangioendothelioma with osteolysis of the second cervical vertebral body: report of an unprecedented surgical approach by using autologous bone graft

Br J Neurosurg. 2023 Aug;37(4):816-824. doi: 10.1080/02688697.2019.1668542. Epub 2019 Oct 4.

Abstract

We report the case of a 28-year-old female patient who complained of extreme neck pain when giving birth to a child. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine demonstrated an osteolytic lesion at the second cervical vertebral body (C2). In this presentation, we highlight a transoral surgical approach in order to prevent instability of this osteolytic lesion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such a route of access has been described for this tumor entity. A histopathologic examination led to the diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. During a follow-up period of 33 months, the patient had no complaints.

Keywords: Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma; bone graft; osteolysis; second cervical vertebral body; spine; transoral resection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Vertebrae / pathology
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery
  • Child
  • Female
  • Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid* / surgery
  • Hormones
  • Humans
  • Osteolysis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteolysis* / etiology
  • Osteolysis* / surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Spinal Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Vertebral Body / pathology

Substances

  • Hormones