Capillary Hemangioma of the Spinal Cord: Case Report and Systematic Review of Literature

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesCapillary hemangiomas are rare vascular lesions that rarely affect the central nervous system. When they present within the spinal canal, they are typically confined intradurally, with seldom intramedullary extension. We herein present a rare case of spinal intramedullary capillary hemangioma, with a systematic review of literature. MethodsMedical records and imaging data were retrospectively reviewed using the health record software EPIC and the radiology management software system RIS/PACS (QReads). The report was written in accordance with the CARE guidelines. We also performed a systematic review of literature on all cases of intramedullary spinal capillary hemangiomas, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. ResultsThis is a case of a 54-year-old male who presented with progressive paraplegia and sensory deficits in the lower extremities. A spinal MRI showed an intramedullary enhancing lesion centered at T11 with associated cord compression. He underwent a thoracic laminectomy and gross total resection of the lesion without complications and subsequent improvement on his neurological exam. Histological examination showed findings consistent with a capillary hemangioma. Literature review also documented 21 studies with a combined total of 38 cases of intramedullary spinal capillary hemangiomas. ConclusionPurely intramedullary capillary hemangiomas are unusual spinal lesions with only a few cases reported in the literature, that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary tumors. Surgical management remains the first line of treatment for symptomatic patients.