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Imaging of compressive vertebral haemangiomas
J J Cross1, N M Antoun, R J Laing
1Department of Radiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
European Radiology
|July 6, 2000
Summary
Compressive vertebral haemangiomas (VH) can present atypically on imaging. Computed tomography (CT) is a useful confirmatory test for diagnosing these rare vascular lesions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Compressive vertebral haemangiomas (VH) are rare spinal tumors.
- Accurate preoperative diagnosis is crucial for surgical planning and preoperative embolization due to their vascular nature.
- Compressive VHs often exhibit atypical imaging features, complicating diagnosis.
Observation:
- This study analyzed imaging features in 3 new cases and 106 published cases of compressive VH.
- Typical imaging features were observed in 65% of plain films, 80% of CT scans, and 52% of MRI examinations.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) features of compressive VHs are not well-established, with a lower rate of typical findings.
Findings:
- Plain film, CT, and MR imaging findings were evaluated for diagnostic accuracy.
- Computed tomography demonstrated typical features in 80% of cases, making it a reliable diagnostic tool.
- Magnetic resonance imaging showed a higher rate of atypical features (48%), necessitating careful interpretation.
Implications:
- Radiologists and clinicians should be aware of the diverse imaging spectrum of compressive VHs.
- Familiarity with MR imaging characteristics is vital, as it's often the initial investigation for neural compression symptoms.
- CT serves as a valuable confirmatory test when MR findings are equivocal for compressive VH.