Telangiectatic osteosarcoma of the spine: a case report

Telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TOS) of the spine is rare accounting for only 0.08% of all primary osteosarcomas. Though a well described radio-pathological entity it is not often thought of as a cause of paraplegia. We describe the clinical, radiological and pathological features and discuss the treatment options of telangiectatic osteosarcoma of the dorsal spine presenting in a young man. The diagnostic pitfalls are discussed emphasising the fact that the diagnosis of TOS of the spine requires not only a multi modal approach of appropriate radiological and pathological tests but also an awareness of this condition.