Surgical management and outcome of adult posterior cranial fossa and spinal hemangioblastoma: a 6-case series and literature review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Hemangioblastomas of the posterior cranial fossa and spinal cord in adults are excessively vascularized, well-differentiated, and scarce tumors with no metastatic potential. This paper discusses its surgical management and outcome, pointing out their morphological, radiological, and histopathological aspects. This report based on a personal series of six patients and on a literature review. Methods A single-institution personal 6-case series of adult patients diagnosed and operated on by a senior neurosurgeon (KIA) due to posterior cranial fossa or spinal cord hemangioblastoma was analyzed. For easier understanding of hemangioblastoma, we have classified them into four different types. Results The tumors, which were all surgically treated, were located in the posterior cranial fossa in five patients (4 cerebellar, 1 brain stem) and intramedullary in the thoracic spinal cord in one patient. All patients successfully recovered neurologically after a complete tumor resection, having no post-operative neurological deficit or other complications. Conclusion Surgical management of cerebellar and spinal cord hemangioblastoma in adults is highly dependent on its morphological features, as well as on microsurgical technique applied. Since huge differences exist between the cystic/nodular tumor type (Type 1) and the solid type and its two additional variants (Types 2–4), morphology is the most important consideration when deciding surgical approach. Despite significant morphological differences among different subtypes of hemangioblastomas, their histology appears to be relatively similar. Nonetheless, a meticulous and refined surgical technique has to be utilized to achieve a successful outcome.