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Multiple vertebral hemangiomas resembling metastases with spinal cord compression
Archives of Neurology
|April 1, 1980
Summary
A benign capillary hemangioma caused spinal cord compression in a woman with spastic paraparesis. Surgical decompression confirmed the diagnosis, resolving the myelopathy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Spastic paraparesis can arise from various spinal pathologies, including neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions.
- Bony hemangiomas are rare, benign vascular tumors that can occur in the spine and mimic malignant conditions.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old woman presented with spastic paraparesis and multiple bony lesions in the spine, sacrum, and skull.
- Clinical and radiological findings, including paravertebral mass and abnormal serum protein levels, raised suspicion for multiple myeloma or metastatic neoplasm.
Findings:
- Decompressive laminectomy was performed for myelopathy.
- Histopathological examination revealed a benign capillary hemangioma as the cause of the spinal cord compression.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering benign vascular tumors in the differential diagnosis of spinal lesions presenting with myelopathy.
- Accurate diagnosis of bony hemangiomas is crucial to avoid unnecessary aggressive treatments for suspected malignancies.
- Surgical intervention can effectively decompress the spinal cord and alleviate neurological deficits caused by these lesions.