Spinal hemangiomas

Neurosurgery. 1983 Dec;13(6):689-91. doi: 10.1227/00006123-198312000-00013.

Abstract

Three new cases of spinal cord compression due to vertebral hemangioma are reported. The clinical presentation, with spinal pain, radicular radiation, and paraparesis, is similar to that of primary lymphoma, metastatic tumor, and disc disease. If the characteristic plain film changes of vertical trabeculations and striations are present, the preoperative diagnosis is facilitated, but in the majority of cases these are not seen. In some instances, vertebral body or pedicle erosion is present. A myelographic epidural block will be seen on further study. Spinal arteriography can prove helpful. Surgical decompression results in marked neurological improvement if intervention takes place before the onset of complete paralysis. The authors recommend that the diagnosis of vertebral hemangioma be considered in the differential diagnosis of epidural spinal cord compression whenever considered in the differential diagnosis of epidural spinal cord compression whenever a primary malignant neoplasm cannot be identified.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hemangioma / complications
  • Hemangioma / diagnosis*
  • Hemangioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelography
  • Pain / diagnosis
  • Paralysis / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Compression / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Compression / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology
  • Spinal Neoplasms / complications
  • Spinal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging