Cavernous Hemangioma of the Spinal Cord: A Rare Case

Abstract

Cavernous hemangiomas are composed of dilated vessels which are filled with blood. Their common sites of occurrence include the skin, liver and the superficial and the deep soft tissues. We are presenting a rare case of cavernous hemangioma of the spinal cord. CASe RepoRTA 36 years old male presented with low back pain which radiated along the back of the thigh, which was there for 1 year. The pain was aggravated with coughing and sneezing. The routine investigations which included a haemogram, were within normal limits. MRI showed an intradural, extramedullary mass lesion which measured 2.6x2.4x1.6cm at the L5 level, with a mass effect. A radiological diagnosis of a nerve sheath tumour was made and an excision was done [Table/ Fig-1]. pathological FindingsGrossly, the specimen was found to be an oval soft tissue mass of size, 3x2.5x2cm. The cut surface was grey brown [Table/ Fig-2].

A Dumbbell-Shaped Extradural Intracanal Cavernous Hemangioma: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature

“…Cavernous hemangiomas are comprised of large, dilated vascular channels. Compared with capillary hemangiomas, cavernous hemangiomas are more infiltrative, commonly involve deep structures, and do not regress spontaneously [2][3][4]7]. On histologic examination, the mass is sharply defined but not encapsulated and is composed of large, cavernous blood-filled vascular spaces, separated by connective tissue stroma [2][3][4][5][6][7].…”

“…Compared with capillary hemangiomas, cavernous hemangiomas are more infiltrative, commonly involve deep structures, and do not regress spontaneously [2][3][4]7]. On histologic examination, the mass is sharply defined but not encapsulated and is composed of large, cavernous blood-filled vascular spaces, separated by connective tissue stroma [2][3][4][5][6][7]. Cavernous hemangiomas detected by imaging studies may be difficult to distinguish from their malignant counterparts, but with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the lesion is more frequently diagnosed than we previously considered [1][2][3][4][5][6][7].…”

“…They can be found in epidural or extradural, spinal or cranial and thoracic or lumbar [1][2][3]7]. 10-27% of adults suffer from spinal hemangiomas, therefore they are unexpectedly common.…”

“…Evidently, the most reported cases are intracranial and supratentorial [3]. Also Spinal Cavernous Hemangiomas commonly occur in vertebral body extradurally and in some cases extend to spinal canal, which consist of only 'five'-12% of spinal vascular problems [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Here we report one of our rare experiences in spinal surgery with dumbbell-shaped cavernous hemangioma extended from intervertebral foramen and left its great part in the canal.…”

“…Cavernous Hemangioma is a kind of tumor with dilated blood vessels and considered benign neoplasms [1][2][3]. They can be located anywhere in the neural axis as well as other part of the body like liver and eyes [3][4][5][6].…”