Aggressive vertebral hemangiomas contain no adipose tissue resulting in thoracic spine kyphosis: A case report

Aggressive vertebral hemangiomas (AVHs) destroy continuous vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs and resulting in spinal kyphosis is extremely rare. The very aggressive behavior was attributable to its significant vascular component and contained no adipose tissue.

We report a case of thoracic spine kyphosis of AVHs with multiple vertebral bodies and intervertebral disc destruction in a 45-year-old woman.

Based on the imaging studies, the patient underwent surgical removal of this lesion and spinal reconstruction. Histopathology consistent with vertebral hemangioma and contained no adipose.

The patient underwent surgical removal of the lesion and spinal reconstruction. After subperiosteal dissection of the paraspinal muscles and exposure of the laminae, the laminae of the T5-7 vertebrae were removed and exposing the lesion. The lesion was soft and showed cystic changes, completely curetted and autogenous bone was implanted. Vertebroplasty was performed through T3-T9 pedicles bilaterally. Pedicle screw fixation was performed for segmental fixation and fusion.

After 9 days of operation, the incision healed cleanly and free of pain. She was discharged in good general condition. The patient remained asymptomatic after follow-up 6 months of postoperative.

AVHs destroy multiple vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs and resulting in spinal kyphosis is extremely rare.