Diagnosis and microsurgical treatment of spinal intramedullary cavernous hemangiomas

Objective To raise the diagnostic level of spinal intramedullary cavernous hemangiomas (CA) and the curative effect of the microsurgery on them. Method The clinical and imaging data of 11 patients with spinal intramedullary cavernous hemangiomas underwent microsurgery in our department from 2003 to 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. The definite diagnosis was made by MRI examination in all patients. Results Ten patients received total resection and 1 subtota1 in the 11 patients with spinal intramedullary cavernous hemangiomas. The post -operative neurological function of the spinal cord was improved in 9 patients,unchanged in 1 ,and deteriorated in 1. No patients died from the operation. Conclusions MRI is a reliable method in the diagnosis of spinal intramedually cavernous hemangiomas. DSA can diferentiate other spinal AVM. Microsurgery is the best method in the treatment of spinal cavernous hemangiomas. The outcome depends on the severity of preoperative neurological dysfunction. Precise diagnosis of the CA and timely treatment are mandatory. Meticulous nonbleeding surgery and experience are the keys to success. Key words: Hemangioma,cavernous; Spinal cord; Microsurgery; MRI