Rapidly Progressive Atypical Vertebral Hemangioma: A Case Report

Vertebral hemangiomas are common, benign, and asymptomatic tumors that rarely extend into the epidural space or involve the posterior elements. Surgery is recommended for aggressive vertebral hemangiomas if symptoms are severe or evolve rapidly. A 57-year-old male patient was admitted to our department for several months of back pain. A computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were suggestive of T12 hemangioma without the involvement of the spinal canal or posterior elements. Despite aggressive conservative treatments, such as medications or nerve blocks, the back pain worsened. The CT and MRI 2 months later revealed a lesion involving the vertebral body and posterior elements with extension into the epidural space and with spinal cord compression. The patient underwent surgery for bone cement-augmented percutaneous screw fixation followed by low-dose radiotherapy. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of atypical hemangioma, specifically an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.