Rare case of vertebral hemangioma causing spinal compression - diagnosis and treatment: Space Occupying Lesion (SOL) study

Abstract

Background. This case report highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment for intramedullary spinal cord hemangioma, which is a rare condition that can present with common symptoms of various spinal cord pathologies. The report recommends decompression laminectomy as the appropriate intervention for this condition. This report adds to the existing clinical literature on intramedullary spinal cord hemangioma and can assist clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of similar cases. Case report. The patient is a 30-year-old female who complained of left leg heaviness, cramps, numbness, and urinary incontinence. MRI revealed a suspected intradural intramedullary lesion, as high as VTh5, suspected to be ependymoma or astrocytoma. The patient underwent decompressive laminectomy on thoracalis vertebra 5-7 and spinal cord mass with hemorrhage and calcification components was observed on post-operative Spinal CT Angiography. The mass was found to have a feeder artery from spinal branches of the left right a. intercostalis at T5 level and spinal branches of the left a. intercostalis at T6 level. Thoracolumbar spondylosis was also observed. Conclusion. The clinical impact of vertebral hemangioma lies in its potential to cause neurological deficits due to spinal cord or nerve root compression. Early diagnosis and treatment through imaging modalities such as MRI and surgical intervention, such as laminectomy, can alleviate symptoms and prevent disability or mortality. However, careful consideration of the patient’s clinical history, imaging findings, and neurological status is necessary for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.