Percutaneous technique for sclerotherapy of vertebral hemangioma compressing spinal cord

In this study we report a percutaneous technique to achieve sclerosis of vertebral hemangioma and decompression of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Under CT guidance the affected vertebral body is punctured by a biopsy needle and sclerosant is injected directly into the tumor. In the case of large paravertebral extension, additional injection is given in the paravertebral soft tissue component to induce shrinkage of the whole tumor mass and release of the compressed spinal cord.

Using this technique we treated five patients in whom vertebral hemangioma gave rise to neurologic symptoms. In three patients, sclerotherapy was the only treatment given. In the other two patients, sclerotherapy was preceded by transcatheter embolization. Neither decompressive surgery, radiation therapy nor stabilization was required with this technique.

Our experience with CT-guided intraosseous sclerotherapy has proved highly satisfactory.