Cord compression due to extradural thoracic nerve root hemangioblastoma

Abstract

Hemangioblastomas (HGBs) are benign tumors that occur sporadically or as part of von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease. 6–8% of spinal HGBs are extramedullary in location, and basically referred to as HGB of the spinal nerve root. Purely extradural (ED) location is the rarest form of these tumors. We report a case of a non-VHL patient with large thoracic ED HGB, who presented with myelopathy due to cord compression. We emphasize the importance of correct pre-operative diagnosis as well as pre-operative embolization in order to reach the goal of complete tumor resection with minimal complications. We also review the relevant literature and summarize the few case reports of this unique tumor.

Keywords::

• embolization
• spinal tumor
• spinal cord compression
• thoracic spine

Disclosure

The authors of this paper declare that the patient who the clinical case refers to has expressed his consent for the submission of this paper to the journal of “British Journal of Neurosurgery” for publication.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.