Pre-resection Embolization of a Focal Lumbar Chordoma

Chordoma is a slow-growing local invasive tumor with high mortality and recurrence rates after surgical resection. It can affect the clivus and sacrum and rarely involve the lumbar vertebra. There is limited literature research describing lumbar embolization before surgical resection in lumbar chordoma. Thus, this case report describes an atypical patient with chronic lower back pain who presented to the hospital for worsening pain. Radiological images show an aggressive focal lesion at the second lumbar spine extending into the posterior element. The patient underwent lumbar artery embolization before surgical resection. The final pathology diagnosis confirmed a conventional chordoma. Therefore, patients with radiological imaging features of conventional chordoma may benefit from embolization prior to surgical resection to decrease intraoperative bleeding.