Medullary and Foraminal Stenosis by Lumbar Vertebral Hemangioma: Case Report

Abstract

Vertebral hemangiomas can be defined as benign vascular bone tumors, accounting for only about 3% of spinal tumors. In general, they may demonstrate an asymptomatic clinical presentation, being found accidentally on imaging tests. They have an incidence of about 2.0-27% in the general population and do not require intervention in incidental cases. However, there are a number of atypical vertebral hemangiomas, seen on imaging with a higher vascular content and lower adipose mass, cases often associated with aggressive hemangiomas, which may be symptomatic, with nerve compression, vertebral lytic erosions and infiltrative character. The case described here is a female patient with a history of progressive low back pain and claudication due to a vertebral hemangioma in the topography of the 3rd lumbar vertebra, associated with canal stenosis, and infiltration of the pedicle and facet joint. In view of this condition, the patient underwent embolization and decompression of the spinal canal, followed by lumbar arthrodesis.