Long term follow-up study of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty

Objective To investigate the long term clinical results of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas(SVHs)treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty. Methods A retrospective analysis of 17 cases with19 symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas associated with chronic pain(all cases)or neurological deficit(4 cases)or spinal cord compression(2 cases),were treated and followed up from 6 to 32 monthes,mean 15.8 ± 8.7months. There were 6 compressive fractures in the vertebral body with hemangioma before PVP,others were normal in morphology. All procedures were under DSA guidance. Results All procedures were technically successful in all cases with all vertebral bodies filled of PMMA through injection with amount from 1 ml to 6 ml per vertebral body. The outcomes showed 5 paravertebral leakages,2 epidural leakages and 1 intradisc leakage during the procedure; but with no remarkable clinical symptoms. Pain relief was sustained in all patients at the follow-up. 2 patients with neurological deficit or spinal cord compression were cured. 2 patients had severe pain due to facture near the vertebral body because of osteoporosis after 6 months,which were performed wiht PVP. Conclusions Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimal invasive procedure providing an effective and safe technique in the treatment of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas.(J Intervent Radiol,2007,16: 676-680)