A Case of Dumbbell-Shaped Spinal Epidural Cavernous Hemangioma

Abstract

Isolated spinal cavernous hemangioma without vertebral involvement is rare. We report a case of a spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma extending in the intraand extravertebral space through the intervertebral foramen. A 52-year-old female was treated. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an epidural mass at the level of Th10-L2. The mass was isointense to the spinal cord on T1WI, hyperintense on T2WI. Marked enhancement was shown on postgadlinium T1WI. Angiograms revealed no tumor stain. Surgical resection was performed. Pathological diagnosis was a cavernous hemangioma. It was dumbbell shaped spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma, but did not show enlargement of the intervertebral foramen, a common sign that is thought to be helpful in the diagnosis of spinal neurinoma. Postgadlinium T1WI was very usefull to diagnose a cavernous hemangioma.