The Eccentric Case of Thoracic Spinal Hemangioma Masquerading as Cauda Equina Syndrome

Clinical Pathophysiological Traits and Management Aspects

Authors

  • Sriharsha Kanuri MD PhD Merit Health Wesley Health Center 5001 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USA
  • David Teeple MD Tucson Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59667/sjoranm.v24i1.14

Keywords:

Spinal hemagioma, cauda equina syndrome, spinal cord compression, vertebral fracture, myelopathy, radiculopathy, spinal surgery and radiation

Abstract

We present a case of spinal hemangioma with clinical presentation with lower limb weakness, loss of sensation, back pain, urinary retention and difficulty in bowel movements for 9 months. Patients presenting with lumbar myeloradiculopathy should be carefully evaluated to distinguish it from cauda equina syndrome, spinal dural fistula, spinal cord tumors, and metastasis Evaluation including MRI brain and CT scan lumbar spine were within normal limits. Further workup including CT scan and MRI thoracic spine revealed T5 vertebral body spinal hemangioma with spina cord compression at T5-T6. The main pathology here is slowly progressive tumor that that power to scrunch the spinal cord and shatter the vertebra, thereby ushering the onset of myeloradiculopathy. Neurosurgery was consulted and they decided to perform a preoperative embolization, and surgical decompression. Recurrence of symptoms despite surgical intervention might necessitate administration of radiation therapy. The neuronal recovery following surgery might be prolonged given the degree of spinal cord injury.

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cover_image_kanuri

Published

2025-10-31

Data Availability Statement

None

How to Cite

The Eccentric Case of Thoracic Spinal Hemangioma Masquerading as Cauda Equina Syndrome: Clinical Pathophysiological Traits and Management Aspects. (2025). Swiss Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, 24(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.59667/sjoranm.v24i1.14

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