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Intramedullary capillary hemangioma associated with hydrocephalus in an infant

Aldo Iannelli1, Giancarlo Lupi, Maura Castagna

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pisa, Italy. a.iannelli@ao-pisa.toscana.it

Journal of Neurosurgery
|October 22, 2005
PubMed

Insights

A rare capillary hemangioma in a 3-month-old infant caused communicating hydrocephalus. Prompt diagnosis and surgical removal of the spinal tumor resolved the condition, highlighting the importance of considering spinal lesions in infant hydrocephalus.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Vascular Malformations

Background:

  • Communicating hydrocephalus in infants can stem from various causes.
  • Enlarging head circumference necessitates thorough neuroimaging to identify the underlying pathology.
  • Posterior fossa abnormalities are common in pediatric hydrocephalus.

Observation:

  • A 3-month-old infant presented with an enlarging head circumference and communicating hydrocephalus.
  • Neuroimaging revealed a vascular lesion in the dorsal spinal cord as the likely cause.
  • The lesion was identified as a capillary hemangioma upon histological examination.

Findings:

  • Successful surgical intervention included cerebrospinal fluid shunt insertion and complete tumor resection.
  • The patient's hydrocephalus resolved post-operatively.
  • This case represents a previously unreported association between spinal capillary hemangioma and hydrocephalus in this age group.

Implications:

  • Spinal lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infant hydrocephalus, especially when the origin is unclear.
  • Early detection and treatment of spinal vascular malformations are crucial for managing associated neurological conditions.
  • This case expands the understanding of rare causes of pediatric hydrocephalus and informs diagnostic strategies.

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