[Interventional neuroradiology. II. Vertebro-spinal embolisations (author's transl)]

The technique, diagnostic results and significance as well as limitations of selective spinal angiography differential diagnosis of vertebro-spinal tumors and vascular malformations are described. By this angiographic examination, important preoperative information of exact size, extent and localisation of the neoplasms, the vascular supply and their topographical relation to the anterior spinal artery can be obtained. In spinal vascular malformations is the best method. Arterial embolisation of vascularised tumors or haemangiomas can be indicated to reduce the risk of intraoperative bleeding. But also without subsequent surgery, it may be performed in vertebral haemangiomas as curative or in malignancies as palliative treatment for compression of the spinal cord or of spinal nerve roots, as demonstrated by some examples.