Clinics in diagnostic imaging (25). Aggressive vertebral haemangioma

A 30-year-old female presented with a three month history of back pain. Radiographs and computed tomography indicated an aggressive haemangioma of T12 which was confirmed on red cell scintigraphy. The varying imaging appearances of non-aggressive and aggressive vertebral haemangiomas are described, emphasizing the ability of aggressive haemangiomas to mimic metastases on magnetic resonance imaging. The therapeutic role of embolisation as an adjunct ro surgery is stressed.