Hemangioblastomas of the cauda equina: Clinical features and long-term surgical outcomes

Background

Spinal hemangioblastomas (HBs) that involving cauda equina are rare. Data on clinical characteristics and long-term intervention outcomes of patients harboring cauda equina HBs remain lacking due to its scarcity.

Objective

This study aims to present the clinical-radiological features and treatment results of this rare pathology by using cases from a single center.

Methods

A review of demographic data and intervention outcomes of patients harboring cauda equina HBs in our department between 2009 and 2020 was retrospectively carried out.

Results

Ten consecutive adult patients were incorporated, with a slight female predominance (n = 6, 60%). The mean age was 39.9 ± 14.7 (range: 18–58) years. Six patients (60%) had von Hippel‒Lindau (VHL) syndrome and showed multiple symptoms and severe neurological deficits, while 4 (40%) were in the sporadic group and only presented pain symptoms. During follow-up, 3 patients (30%) experienced lesion relapse and underwent repeated surgery. Favorable outcomes were achieved in all patients.

Conclusion

Cauda equina HBs are rare spinal vascular lesions that should be differentiated from other lumbar canal lesions. Total surgical resection is the main treatment modality and can benefit patients, even recurrent patients. The treatment outcome is usually satisfactory, especially in sporadic cases.