The authors recommend periodic evaluation for stage I to II auricular arteriovenous malformation and intervention if there is evolution to stage III. Preoperative embolization and partial or total amputation effectively control auricular and para-auricular arteriovenous malformation. Embolization can be palliative in children or in patients who are not psychologically prepared for amputation. Extensive extra-auricular arteriovenous malformation requires individualized endovascular therapy and resection.

Thirty-two vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) were evaluated with nonenhanced computed tomography (CT), T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, CT enhanced with contrast material, and selective spinal arteriography. The stroma between the osseous trabeculae was found to correspond to either fatty tissue or soft tissue or both. All 11 asymptomatic VHs showed complete fatty stroma at CT and increased signal intensity at MR imaging. In contrast, all four compressive VHs had soft-tissue attenuation at CT. Three compressive VHs showed low signal intensity on MR images. Predominantly fatty stroma at CT and increased signal intensity at MR imaging were associated with normal or only slightly increased vascularization at selective spinal arteriography or contrast-enhanced CT, while soft-tissue stroma at CT and low signal intensity at MR imaging were associated with distinct hypervascularization. The authors' experience suggests that fatty VHs may represent inactive forms of VH, while soft-tissue content at CT and low signal intensity at MR imaging may indicate a more active vascular lesion with potential to compress the spinal cord. CT and MR imaging may be especially valuable for evaluating patients with clinical signs or symptoms of uncertain origin and findings compatible with VH at plain radiography.

Spinal epidural haematomas (SEH) are rare; most are caused by trauma, anticoagulant therapy, vascular anomalies, hypertension, blood dyscrasias, epidural anaesthesia or, rarely, spinal surgery. We report 11 cases and review the literature (16 cases). The clinical picture is that of acute spinal cord compression. MRI characteristics are quite specific. On sagittal sections, the SEH appears as a biconvex mass, dorsal to the thecal sac, clearly outlined and with tapering superior and inferior margins. The dura mater is seen as curvilinear low signal separating the haematoma from the cord. Within 24 h of onset, the haematoma is isointense with the cord on T1-weighted images and heterogeneous on T2-weighted images. Later, it gives high signal on both T1- and T2-weighted images. Differential diagnosis must include subdural haematoma, epidural neoplasm and abscess. Complete neurological recovery rapidly follows laminectomy and removal of the clot. In three of our cases, the haematoma resolved spontaneously. MRI is the best examination for diagnostic and follow-up.