Intramedullary spinal capillary hemangiomas: clinical features and surgical outcomes

Abstract

Intramedullary capillary hemangiomas are exceedingly rare lesions in the spinal cord, and have been previously reported in the literature as case reports. The authors review their experience in 5 surgically treated patients with intramedullary capillary hemangiomas and discuss the clinical features, radiological findings, and surgical outcomes. Clinical and imaging data of 5 patients with intramedullary spinal capillary hemangiomas treated at a single institution were retrospectively analyzed. There were 4 men and 1 woman, and their ages ranged from 18 to 63 years (mean 47.2 years). The thoracic cord was affected in 4 patients, and the cervicothoracic cord in 1 patient. Four patients underwent a gross-total resection. One patient initially underwent a subtotal removal and then underwent a second surgery due to enlargement of the residual lesion. Long-term neurological function was improved in all patients and MRI showed no tumor recurrence. Capillary hemangiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary spinal vascular lesions. Complete resection is the treatment of choice for these lesions. When total resection cannot be achieved, subtotal or even partial removal of the tumor is advised and repeat removal of the lesion is indicated when residual tumor regrowth is associated with neurological deterioration.