Recurrent extradural hemangiopericytoma of thoracic spine: a case report

Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a rare tumor that arises from pericapillary cells or pericytes of Zimmerman. In the central nervous system, it accounts for less than 1% of tumors, and spinal involvement is very rare. Meningeal hemangiopericytomas show morphological similarities with meningiomas particularly with angiomatous meningioma, where one needs to take the help of immunohistochemistry (IHC) to delineate HPC from meningioma. Here, we report a case of recurrent extradural HPC in a 16 year-old girl, who 5 years back had a pathological diagnosis of angiomatous meningioma, for D5-D6 lesion. On evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large extradural tumor with a significant cord compression involving D5-D6 body, pedicle and ribs. Excision of the lesion and spinal stabilization was performed. The histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry performed on tumor sections revealed features favoring HPC. To conclude, detailed IHC is helpful in avoiding misdiagnosis and in further management of the patient.