Transarterial Onyx embolization of sacral chordoma: case report and review of the literature

J Neurointerv Surg. 2011 Mar;3(1):85-7. doi: 10.1136/jnis.2010.003020. Epub 2010 Oct 23.

Abstract

Aim: To report a successful transarterial Onyx embolization of a highly vascularized sacral chordoma.

Case presentation: A 74-year-old patient presented with progressive lower back pain and anorectal and urogenital dysfunction complicated by excessive intraoperative blood loss requiring emergent endovascular intervention.

Intervention: Emergent pelvic angiography demonstrated a highly vascularized sacral chordoma. Transarterial embolization with Onyx was performed successfully via a single arterial pedicle, the median sacral artery. Surgical extirpation was achieved with the expected amount of intraoperative blood loss without further complications.

Conclusion: Preoperative transarterial Onyx embolization can be performed safely and effectively to assist in the surgical resection of sacral chordomas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chordoma / blood supply
  • Chordoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Chordoma / surgery*
  • Dimethyl Sulfoxide / therapeutic use*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Endovascular Procedures / methods*
  • Humans
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Polyvinyls / therapeutic use*
  • Preoperative Care / methods
  • Radiography
  • Sacrum / blood supply
  • Sacrum / pathology
  • Sacrum / surgery*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Spinal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Neoplasms / surgery*

Substances

  • Onyx copolymer
  • Polyvinyls
  • Dimethyl Sulfoxide