Vertebral hemangioma
A benign vascular tumor of the vertebra
Vertebral hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor that occurs in the vertebrae of the spine. These tumors are often found incidentally during imaging studies for other conditions, as they typically do not cause symptoms. However, in rare cases, they can lead to pain or neurological symptoms if they compress the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
Vertebral hemangiomas are composed of a proliferation of blood vessels within the bone. They are most commonly found in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. The exact cause of vertebral hemangiomas is not well understood, but they are thought to be congenital in nature, developing from embryonic remnants of blood vessels.
Clinical presentation[edit | edit source]
Most vertebral hemangiomas are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans performed for other reasons. When symptomatic, they may cause localized back pain or, in rare cases, neurological deficits due to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of vertebral hemangioma is typically made through imaging studies. On MRI, these lesions appear as hyperintense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. CT scans may show a "polka-dot" appearance in axial sections due to the presence of thickened trabeculae.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Most vertebral hemangiomas do not require treatment. In cases where symptoms are present, treatment options may include radiation therapy, vertebroplasty, or surgical decompression. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the specific characteristics of the hemangioma.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for individuals with vertebral hemangiomas is generally excellent, as these tumors are benign and often asymptomatic. Even when symptomatic, appropriate treatment can alleviate symptoms effectively.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Vertebral hemangioma[edit | edit source]
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