Imaging of a thoracic spinal nerve haemangioblastoma by three-dimensional digital angiography

J Clin Neurosci. 2006 Nov;13(9):929-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2005.12.034. Epub 2006 Oct 16.

Abstract

Haemangioblastomas occur sporadically or in association with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Occasionally, they are associated with intrathecal cauda equina nerve roots and rarely with spinal nerve roots. The occurrence of a completely extrathecal, thoracic spinal nerve haemangioblastoma is exceptional, with only one case previously described in the English-language literature. We report an extradural thoracic spinal nerve haemangioblastoma in a patient with VHL disease causing a progressive thoracic radiculopathy. The advantages of three-dimensional digital angiography will be discussed. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the images acquired by rotational digital subtraction angiography is one of the most promising developments to improve surgical planning for complex vascular lesions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction / methods
  • Arteries / pathology
  • Arteries / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Hemangioblastoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hemangioblastoma / pathology*
  • Hemangioblastoma / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Laminectomy
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Radiculopathy / etiology*
  • Radiculopathy / physiopathology
  • Spinal Canal / pathology
  • Spinal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Spinal Nerves / blood supply
  • Spinal Nerves / pathology*
  • Thoracic Vertebrae
  • Treatment Outcome