Spinal cord compression due to vertebral hemangioma
Gorkem Aksu1, Merdan Fayda, Mert Saynak
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Umuttepe, Turkey.
Orthopedics
|March 19, 2009
Summary
Multiple vertebral hemangiomas caused dorsal pain and foot numbness in a 58-year-old man. Radiotherapy effectively treated the spinal cord compression from a T7 hemangioma, significantly improving symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Vertebral hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors of the spine.
- Multiple vertebral hemangiomas are rare and can present with diverse neurological symptoms.
- Spinal cord compression is a potential complication of vertebral hemangiomas with epidural extension.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old male presented with dorsal pain and progressive bilateral foot numbness.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified multiple vertebral hemangiomas.
- A T7 vertebral hemangioma showed epidural extension, leading to spinal cord compression.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms were directly correlated with the presence and location of vertebral hemangiomas.
- Epidural extension of the T7 hemangioma was the cause of neurological compromise.
- Radiotherapy was administered as a treatment modality for the symptomatic hemangioma.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering vertebral hemangiomas in the differential diagnosis of spinal pain and neurological deficits.
- Radiotherapy can be an effective treatment for symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas causing spinal cord compression.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing neurological complications associated with vertebral hemangiomas.
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