Aggressive Vertebral Hemangiomas Research Articles

Pregnancy and Aggressive Angioma: A Very Rare Entity: Case Report and Literature Review

Vertebral hemangiomas (VH) are common benign tumors, often asymptomatic. Their clinical presentation during pregnancy is rare. We report the case of a 38-year-old woman at 37 weeks of pregnancy, admitted for progressive paraplegia caused by an aggressive VH at the D5 level. MRI revealed spinal cord compression, necessitating a cesarean section followed by laminectomy and cementoplasty. The growth of VH during pregnancy is facilitated by hemodynamic and hormonal changes. Treatment involves surgery, with embolization as an option to reduce bleeding, and radiotherapy in the postpartum period. This rare case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management.

Aggressive giant dumbell-shaped thoracic vertebral hemangioma: illustrative case.

Vertebral hemangioma is the most common benign tumor of the spine, diagnosed incidentally in most cases. In 0.4% of patients, the lesion is considered aggressive, causing neurological deficits. This subtype of hemangioma is characterized by strong postcontrast enhancement, cortical lysis, and epidural extension causing myelopathy and/or radiculopathy. A 52-year-old man presented with myelopathy symptoms, namely lower-limb hypoesthesia up to the T4-5 sensory level, right leg hyposthenia, and urinary incontinence. Imaging studies revealed a giant dumbbell-shaped lesion causing spinal cord compression, associated with signal alteration of the T3 vertebral body. The diagnosis of schwannoma was not certain given the radiological features, so a biopsy was planned and confirmed the diagnosis of vertebral hemangioma. Preoperative embolization, spinal fusion, and gross-total resection of the extravertebral component of the lesion were performed. This report should raise awareness of the differential diagnosis of dumbbell-shaped spinal tumors and the therapeutic strategies available for aggressive vertebral hemangiomas, a rare lesion that should be managed in a multidisciplinary setting. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24190.

Symptomatic and aggressive vertebral hemangiomas in children: features of modern interpretation and treatment tactics

Objective. To analyze the features of clinical-radiological manifestations of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas in children and the possibility of algorithmizing their treatment.Material and Methods. As part of a monocenter cohort, 24 children aged 4 to 17 years received treatment for symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas. The clinical-radiological manifestations of the tumor and the effectiveness of various methods of invasive treatment were evaluated.Results. Symptomatic uncomplicated and complicated vertebral hemangiomas, corresponding to stages S2 and S3 of the Enneking classification for benign tumors, occur in children with almost equal frequency. For tumors without extravertebral spread, a closed percutaneous vertebroplasty provides stable relief of complaints. For aggressive hemangiomas with extravertebral, including epidural, spread, various treatment methods are used. An algorithm for choosing therapeutic tactics is proposed.Conclusion. Surgical treatment of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas should be carried out using a tactical algorithm that takes into account the stage of the tumor (S2 or S3) and the possibility of performing closed or open vertebroplasty, selective arterial embolization and decompression and stabilization operations on the spine.

Preoperative elastoplasty of aggressive vertebral hemangiomas in elderly patients: a new strategy for reducing intraoperative bleeding and complications

PurposePreoperative elastoplasty could be an alternative strategy for treating aggressive vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) in frail patients needing for spinal cord decompression, combining the advantages of embolization and vertebroplasty.MethodsThree elderly patients with spinal cord compression from thoracic aggressive VHs underwent XperCT-guided percutaneous injection of silicone (VK100), filling the whole affected vertebra, followed by a decompressive laminectomy. At 12-months follow-up no recurrences, vertebral collapse or segmental kyphosis were noted at the CT scans, with patients reporting an improvement of preoperative neurological deficits, VAS and Smiley-Webster pain scale (SWPS) parameters.ResultsWith its elastic modulus, non-exothermic hardening, and lower viscosity than PMMA, VK100 allowed a preoperative augmentation of the affected vertebral body, pedicles, and laminae without complications, with a controlled silicone delivery even in part of VH’s epidural components thanks to XperCT-guidance.ConclusionWhen facing highly bony erosive VH encroaching the spinal canal, VK100 combines the advantages of embolization and vertebroplasty especially in elderly patients, permeating the whole VH’s angioarchitecture, significantly reducing tumor.

Sclerotherapy for Aggressive Vertebral Hemangioma with Severe Bone Destruction: A 5-Year Analysis.

Sclerotherapy for Aggressive Vertebral Hemangioma with Severe Bone Destruction: A 5-Year Analysis.

Cobb Syndrome, A Rare Disease – Case Report

Cobb syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by dermatomal pattern, with corresponding muscular, osseous, paraspinal, and/or spinal vascular lesions occurring at the same body somite (metamere). It is also known as spinal arteriovenous metameric syndrome (SAMS) and cutaneous meningospinal angiomatosis. We present a case of a 36 years old male presented to OPD with Complain of progressive weakness of Right upper limb for 5 years. On examination, Patient had large cutaneous port wine stain on the right side of the chest, nape of neck, and along the whole right upper limb in a dermatomal distribution with ulnar claw hand wasting of thenar muscles on right side. MRI cervical spine with contrast showed aggressive vertebral hemangioma involving anterior and posterior arch of C1 vertebra, vertebral body of C2 to C5, right half of vertebral body of C2 and C6 and right pedicle of C2 to C5 vertebra. Abnormal thickened and T2WI /STIR hyperintense skin and subcutaneous tissue involving right half of scalp and right half of neck which showing post contrast enhancement, possibility of subcutaneous hemangioma. Cobb syndrome was diagnosed based on the dermatomal distribution of the cutaneous vascular lesions and the corresponding vertebral, epidural, and paraspinal vascular lesions occurring at the same metamere. Treatment decision is guided by the patient’s symptoms and imaging features.

Surgical Options for Aggressive Vertebral Hemangiomas：A case series, literature review and treatment recommendations

PurposeWe retrospectively study twenty-nine surgical cases of aggressive vertebral hemangiomas (AVHs) with neurological deficits and extradural compression to determine the optimal surgical treatment strategy for AVHs at a single institution. MethodsPatients with AVHs with neurological deficits who underwent partial tumor resection plus decompression with or without vertebroplasty (VP), and radiotherapy between 2010 and 2021 were included in this study. Clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and follow-up data of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. ResultsTwenty-nine AVH cases with neurological deficits and spinal instability were included in this study and treated surgically. The mean operation time of patients with decompression surgery plus VP (Groupe A) was 215.9 (120-265 min), shorter than that of decompression surgery without VP (Group B) 240.2 (120-320 min). Intraoperative blood loss was 273.3 (100–550 mL) in group A and 635.3 (200–1600 mL) in group B. In addition, a significant reduction in blood loss was observed in group A compared to the group B (p=0.0001). All patients experienced immediate pain relief and improvement in their neurological symptoms. Neurological function was assessed by the Frankel score, ASIA score, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score decreased from 7.4 (4-9) to 1.3 (0-3). Of twenty-nine patients in this study, only 7% (2/29 patients) showed signs of recurrence. ConclusionDecompression plus VP achieve good tumor control and decrease surgical complication. Preoperative vascular embolization and VP can reduce intraoperative bleeding in the treatment of AVH surgery. Moreover, postoperative radiotherapy seems to be a good technique to prevent tumor recurrence.

Post-biopsy spontaneous air in vertebrae: A tell-tale sign of vertebral hemangioma

Although most vertebral hemangiomas are asymptomatic and common incidental findings on radiographs and cross-sectional imaging, few atypical vertebral hemangiomas have aggressive imaging features and are clinically symptomatic. This atypical vertebral hemangioma poses a diagnostic dilemma and needs to be differentiated from aggressive vertebral neoplasm-like metastasis or plasmacytoma. Advances in radiological imaging, particularly MRI, help in differentiating atypical hemangioma from aggressive vertebral neoplasm to a certain extent; however, computed tomography-guided biopsy is often required for histopathological confirmation and further management. The aim of the case report is to highlight the finding of post-biopsy spontaneous gas bubble formation inside the vertebra in aggressive vertebral hemangioma, which helps to differentiate it from aggressive vertebral neoplasms.

Ethanol Sclerosis Therapy for Aggressive Vertebral Hemangioma of the Spine: A Narrative Review.

Vertebral hemangiomas of the spine are rare benign tumors. They occur primarily in the thoracic region and are often asymptomatic and found incidentally on radiological examination; however, some are symptomatic, aggressive, and gradually increase in size. Various therapeutic approaches have been proposed for their management. This study aimed to review the therapeutic management, focusing on ethanol sclerosis therapy. The PubMed database was searched from inception to January 2023 using the keywords "hemangioma", "spine OR vertebra", and "ethanol". Twenty studies were retrieved, including two letters. The first report of spinal therapy was published in 1994. Ethanol sclerosis therapy is effective in treating vertebral hemangiomas. It is performed independently or in combination with other techniques, such as vertebroplasty using cement and surgery. The therapy is performed under local or general anesthesia with fluoroscopic or computed tomography guidance. A total of 10-15 mL of ethanol is slowly injected via unilateral or bilateral pedicles. Complications of the therapy include hypotension and arrhythmia during the procedure, paralysis immediately after the procedure, and delayed compression fractures. This review could enable the refinement of knowledge regarding ethanol sclerosis therapy, which is a treatment option that could be adopted.

Thoracic spinal cord compression by an atypical aggressive vertebral hemangioma – A case report

Vertebral hemangiomas are benign vascular lesions of bone , composed of multiple thin-walled vessels surrounded by fat infiltrating the medullary cavity between bony trabeculae.(1) Hemangiomas account for around 2-3% of all spinal tumors and only 0.9-1.2% of these are symptomatic. Surgery is recommended for lesions if they progress rapidly and cause neurological deficits. 47 years old female patient presented with bilateral lower limb weakness due to an aggressive atypical vertebral body hemangioma at D7 level. Patient underwent pre-op embolisation with surgical decompression and stabilization. Neurological recovery was almost complete over a period of 2 months.

The gelfoam technique in aggressive vertebral haemangioma with dorsal myelopathy

The gelfoam technique in aggressive vertebral haemangioma with dorsal myelopathy

A case report of multiple aggressive vertebral hemangiomas: a rare mimic of metastatic malignancy

A case report of multiple aggressive vertebral hemangiomas: a rare mimic of metastatic malignancy

Aggressive vertebral hemangiomas in children.

Aggressive vertebral hemangiomas are rare tumors in children, usually occurring in the thoracic spine that can cause significant neurological morbidity. They are technically difficult to treat with significant risk of blood loss during surgery. We describe a case of aggressive vertebral hemangioma managed in our institution. We performed a literature review of reported cases of aggressive vertebral hemangiomas in pediatric age group. We discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these lesions. We identified 23 cases of aggressive vertebral reported in children. Neurodeficit was the most common presentation, and the most common location was the thoracic spine. Surgery was the most common modality of treatment. All the patients reported in literature had improvement in their symptoms after treatment. Although technically challenging, aggressive vertebral hemangiomas have a good outcome after treatment. Treatment should be tailored to the individual patient. Further studies are needed to determine the optimum treatment strategy.

Management of Aggressive Vertebral Haemangioma and Assessment of Differentiating Pointers Between Aggressive Vertebral Haemangioma and Metastases - A Systematic Review.

Systematic review. Vertebral haemangioma has been classified into typical and aggressive vertebral haemangioma (AVH). Management options for AVH are many and the clinician has decision dilemma in choosing the right one. Metastases mimic AVH in clinical and radiological presentation. Differentiating pointers between them has not been clearly delineated in literature. Aim of our review is to identify treatment options; to formulate a management algorithm for AVH based on clinical presentation and to identify radiological differentiating pointers between them. Systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. We systematically reviewed all available literature from the year 2001 to 2020. Relevant articles were identified as per laid down criteria from the medical databases. After inclusion, first and second authors went through full text of each included article. Of 139 studies reviewed, eight met our criteria for review of management and three separate studies for radiological differentiating pointers. 99 patients with 88 AVH had undergone treatment. Back pain with myelopathy is the presenting symptom in majority of patients. Patients with backpain - myelopathic symptoms had improved following surgery; patients with back pain alone had improved with either percutaneous vertebroplasty or CT guided alcohol ablation. Dynamic contrast MRI, Diffusion weighted MRI and ratio of signal intensity between T1w and fat suppression T1w MR help the clinician in differentiating them. Management of AVH can be based on the patient's clinical presentation. Patients presenting with AVH and back pain can be managed with either Percutaneous vertebroplasty or CT guided alcohol ablation. Patients presenting with AVH and neurological symptoms could be managed with surgery. Dynamic contrast enhanced MR, Diffusion weighted MR, ratio of signal intensity between T1w and Fat suppression T1w MR imaging could help the clinician in differentiating the two before contemplating biopsy. C.

In Vertebral Hemangiomas with Neurological Deficit, Is a Less Extensive Approach Adequate.

This was a retrospective study. To analyze the surgical and neurological outcomes following surgical decompression in patients with aggressive vertebral hemangioma (AVH) presenting with neurological deficit and to determine whether a less extensive approach is appropriate. AVHs are a rare subset of benign vascular tumors frequently presenting with neurological deficit because of spinal cord compression. Though the results of surgical management have improved over time, there is a lack of consensus on the ideal management in this group of patients. Twenty-one patients who underwent surgery for AVH between 2009 and 2018 were analyzed. Demographic and clinical details of patients were retrieved from hospital information system. Imaging information (i.e., radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) of all patients was accessed and analyzed in picture archiving and communication system. Tumor staging was performed using Enneking and Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini classifications and Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score. At followup, neurological and radiological evaluations were performed. Twenty-one patients (13 [61.9%] females and 8 [38.1%] males) were included with a mean age of 44.29 years (range, 14-72 years). All patients in the study had neurological deficit. Back pain was present in 80.9% of patients. Mean duration of symptoms was 4.6 months (range, 1 day to 10 months). Most common lesion location was thoracic spine (n=12), followed by thoracolumbar (D11- L2; n=7) and lumbar (n=2) regions. Ten patients had multiple level lesions. All patients underwent preoperative embolization. Nine patients underwent intralesional spondylectomy with reconstruction; another nine patients underwent stabilization, decompression, and vertebroplasty; three patients underwent decompression and stabilization. Neurology improved in all patients, and only one case of recurrence was noted in a mean follow-up of 55.78±25 months (range, 24-96 months). In AVH, good clinical and neurological outcomes with low recurrence rates can be achieved using less extensive procedures, such as posterior instrumented decompression with vertebroplasty and intralesional tumor resection.

Surgical Management of Aggressive Vertebral Hemangioma

Background: This study includes management of aggressive vertebral hemangioma (VH). VH is the most common primary tumor affecting the vertebral column. In 0.9–1.2% of patients, VH can become symptomatic and is termed as “aggressive vertebral hemangiomas.” They usually require surgery along with adjuvant modalities. Due to its relatively low incidence, there is sparse reporting in the open literature and lack of universal consensus on treatment protocol. We would like to present our institutional experience in managing aggressive VH by surgery along with adjuvant modalities and a comprehensive review of the literature. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of records of VH cases managed surgically in the past 3 years at our institute was done. All the relevant records and imaging of the patients were retrieved. Results: Five patients were included in the study. All were male with four dorsal and one lumbar lesion. All were treated with surgery along with an adjuvant therapy. Selective arterial embolization was used in one patient, alcohol ablation in three, and vertebroplasty in one. Only one patient had gross total resection, and others had only decompression. Fixation was done in all. All showed good clinical improvement without any complications, except in one. Conclusion: Aggressive VH often requires surgery. Currently, a decompression surgery is preferred due to less morbidity with good clinical outcomes. Various adjuvant therapies have been described in literature to be used perioperatively; yet there is no universal consensus on a standard protocol. Each of them has its own advantages and limitations and thus needs to be carefully selected on an individual basis. Alcohol ablation is an established adjuvant modality, but has to be used with caution.

Incidental Ga-68 DOTATATE uptake in an aggressive vertebral hemangioma

Incidental Ga-68 DOTATATE uptake in an aggressive vertebral hemangioma

Application of a combined approach in the patient treatment with aggressive hemangiomas of the spine

Aggressive hemangioma of the spine is a benign vascular tumor. Stabilization, vertebroplasty, partial resection or total corpectomy of the affected vertebra, radiation therapy are known methods of treatment. Vertebral hemangiomas are more likely to be asymptomatic. Accordind to literature review 3–5 % of hemangiomas are symptomatic (pain). In 1.0 % of cases, hemangiomas cause symptoms of compression of nerve structures, spreading epidurally around the spinal cord and / or radicular nerves. A clinical case of a 63-year-old patient who underwent surgery in 2016 at another clinic for aggressive vertebral hemangiomas Th4 was presented. Bisphosphonate treatment was performed. Despite treatment, progressive lower extremities paraparesis was observed. Spinal angiography and total embolization of hemangiomas with liquid embolizing substances were performed. Immediately after embolization, the patient noted a pain intensity decrease. Surgery was performed in 40 minutes after transarterial embolization (removal of transpedicular stabilizing metal system, laminectomy of Th4 vertebra, decompression of the spinal cord, partial removal of Th4 hemangioma biopsy). The volume of intraoperative blood loss was 200 ml. Wound suction drainage was removed on the second postoperative day. No systemic complications (deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia) were noted. The patient was verticalized on the second postoperative day. After surgery, neurological function corresponded to the preoperative level (Frankel C). Regression of neurological deficit was observed (increased strength and range of motion of the lower extremities, bladder function improvement) the 5th postoperative day (Frankel D-E), Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of hemangiomas. The patient was discharged from hospital with neurological improvement. Radiation therapy was recommended. 3 months after surgery, neurological function was assessed as Frankel E.

Three-dimensional printing-assisted anterior and posterior combined surgery for treating a giant aggressive vertebral hemangioma

Aggressive vertebral hemangioma (AVH) is a type of non-neoplastic and congenital developmental abnormality of spinal cord blood vessels. We report the innovative application of three-dimensional (3D) printing-assisted anterior and posterior combined surgery for treating a giant AVH. This could be a novel treatment in the future. A 44-year-old man suffered from persistent neck pain and limited limb mobility for approximately 2 weeks. An imaging examination showed the destruction of C2–4 vertebral bodies, and a giant lesion invaded the spinal cord. He underwent 3D printing-assisted anterior and posterior combined surgery. Postoperatively, his symptoms of persistent neck pain and limited limb mobility were alleviated. An imaging examination showed that internal fixation and the prosthesis were fixed in place, and the spinal canal was unobstructed. Treating a giant AVH by 3D printing-assisted anterior and posterior combined surgery is feasible and effective.

Vertebral Body Infarction after Transarterial Preoperative Embolization of a Vertebral Hemangioma.

Vertebral hemangioma resection can be a real challenge for spine surgeons, given the high potential of massive intraoperative bleeding. For this reason, preoperative transarterial embolization of this tumor is supported by the available literature. Here, we discuss our difficulties in interpreting an unusual clinical and radiologic picture related to the endovascular procedure. A 45-year-old man was referred to our department due to chronic back pain and progressive lower extremity weakness. Radiologic assessment was obtained by means of spinal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which showed an aggressive vertebral hemangioma in T7, compressing the spinal cord. The patient underwent a combined therapeutic approach consisting of preoperative transarterial embolization followed by tumor resection, spinal cord decompression, and posterior thoracic arthrodesis. The patient was dismissed with neither strength nor sensory deficits. Two weeks later, he returned to our department with fever. A new MRI demonstrated multiple areas of altered signal in almost all vertebral bodies from T6 down to the sacrum. After a deep diagnostic process, including new MRI and infectious disease evaluations, the definitive diagnosis of multiple vertebral bone infarction was suggested. Vertebral infarctions are an extremely rare complication of spinal endovascular procedures. To our knowledge, this is the first case of multiple postembolization vertebral infarctions, without spinal cord involvement. This peculiarity was explained by the presence of direct anastomoses between a posterior intercostal artery and the underlying vertebral bodies.