F18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the evaluation of vertebral vascular tumors

PurposeThe uptake of ¹⁸F-FDG is higher in most malignancies than in benign tumors. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in vertebral vascular tumors.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively collected PET/CT and clinical data of patients with vertebral vascular tumors and analyzed the location, number, and bone destruction and FDG uptake features of the lesion. We measured SUVmax and maximum diameter and analyzed the correlations between SUVmax and the pathological results, size, and CT features.ResultsTwenty-one pathology-proven vertebral vascular tumors were included: 2 angiosarcomas (SUVmax, 11.6 and 32.3), 1 epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (SUVmax, 5.7), 1 epithelioid hemangioma (SUVmax, 8.5), and 17 aggressive hemangiomas. Twelve cases of typical hemangiomas were included as controls. The SUVmax and diameter of the aggressive hemangiomas were higher than those of the typical hemangiomas. The mean SUVmax of aggressive hemangiomas with cortical destruction was higher than that of those without cortical destruction (t = −2.566, P = 0.022). Radioactive distribution in aggressive hemangiomas was homogeneous and heterogeneous in nine and eight cases, respectively. In six aggressive hemangiomas, the FDG uptake of residual and marginal sclerosing bone was higher than that of the osteolytic destruction area and/or paravertebral soft tissue. Six aggressive hemangiomas involved the spinal canal, without clear visualization on PET/CT.Conclusion¹⁸F-FDG uptake of vertebral malignant vascular tumors is higher than that of hemangiomas. The FDG uptake of hemangiomas varies and may be related to concurrent cortical destruction. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT shows limitations in evaluating the spinal canal involvement of aggressive hemangioma.     

椎管内硬膜外海绵状血管瘤的MR表现

目的 探讨椎管内硬膜外海绵状血管瘤R诊断价值。方法 回顾性分析3例经病理证实的椎管内硬膜外海绵状血管瘤的MR表现，并复习相关文献。结果 3例椎管内硬膜外海绵状血管瘤中，2例位于胸椎，1例位于颈胸椎。3例均沿脊椎纵轴生长，呈梭形或长条形；2例肿块“钳”状包绕，推挤相应水平的脊髓；3例均表现为T2WI高信号，钆喷替酸葡甲胺（Gd-DTPA)增强扫描呈均匀一致的明显强化；2例肿瘤侵犯，压迫相邻的椎间孔并使椎间孔扩大，且经椎间孔突出旁间隙，呈“哑铃状”外观。2例合并椎体血管瘤。结论 椎管内硬膜外海绵状血管是非常少见的椎管硬膜外肿瘤，MRI是诊断此病的最佳方法，并具有相对特征性表现。     

Spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma: MR findings

PURPOSE: Cavernous hemangiomas with a spinal epidural location are very uncommon vascular tumors in contrast to those in the vertebral body. The purpose of this study was to describe the radiologic findings, focusing on the MR studies, of spinal epidural cavernous hemangiomas. METHOD: Five pathologically proven cases of spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma were retrospectively reviewed. MR (n = 5) and CT (n = 1) were evaluated. RESULTS: The level was thoracic (n = 4) or lumbosacral (n = 1). The mass was located in the epidural space and showed paravertebral extension in all cases. It showed a lobulated contour in all cases and encircled the spinal cord partially with a larger posterior (n = 3) or anterior (n = 1) component in four cases. In all cases, the mass showed high signal intensity on T2-weighted images and homogeneous, strong enhancement. Adjacent bony erosion (n = 5) and intervertebral neural foraminal widening (n = 4) were common. CONCLUSION: Spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma shows characteristic MR findings of a lobulated contoured epidural mass partially encircling the spinal cord with a larger posterior component in the spinal canal, high signal intensity on T2-weighted images, and homogeneous, strong enhancement.     

CT引导下经皮椎体成形术治疗椎体良恶性病变的技术探讨

目的：探讨CT引导下经皮穿刺椎体成形术治疗脊柱病变时技术的优化和并发症的防治.方法：对45例共62个椎体行经皮穿刺椎体成形术,其中血管瘤4例4个椎体、骨质疏松7例12个椎体、椎体恶性肿瘤34例46个椎体.经CT扫描定位,将不透X线骨水泥（主要成分为粉剂甲基丙烯酸树脂多聚体和液态甲基丙烯酸树脂单体）按粉剂与液体为4∶1比例混合调制成糊状,用1ml注射器匀速缓慢注入病变椎体.结果：本组完全缓解率（CR）77.78%,部分缓解率（PR）17.78%,有效率为95.56%.止痛作用2周至18个月持续有效.CT和平片随访观察骨水泥密度、形态与术后所见无变化,未见椎体进一步压缩.术后即刻CT证实有7例10椎骨水泥向椎体周边组织渗漏,只有1例硬膜外渗漏者导致暂时性神经根性痛.结论：经皮穿刺椎体成形术适用于椎体血管瘤、骨质疏松、转移瘤等溶骨性病变,只要我们操作得当,可以避免多数并发症的发生.     

MRI对椎管内硬膜外海绵状血管瘤的诊断价值

目的:探讨发生在椎管内硬膜外的海绵状血管瘤MRI影像学特征,提高对该类病变的认识。方法:搜集2001年~2007年经手术病理证实的5例发生在椎管内硬膜外的海绵状血管瘤的患者资料,进行回顾性分析。结果:发生在椎管内硬膜外的海绵状血管瘤5例,T1WI呈均匀或不均匀低信号,T2WI呈均匀高信号,增强扫描瘤体明显均匀强化,2例病变轴位显示病灶跨过左侧椎间孔向椎管外"钳状"生长。其中1例相应椎体合并小血管瘤。结论:椎管内硬膜外海绵状血管瘤为少见肿瘤,MRI对椎管内海绵状血管瘤的定位及定性有着无可替代的优势,是目前最为可靠的术前检查手段,能充分显示病变与周围组织的关系,但最后确立诊断,仍须结合临床及完整的病理资料分析。     

Outcome analysis of preoperative embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate in cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

PURPOSETo determine the influence of preoperative N-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization on outcome in the treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations.METHODSTwo groups were compared: 30 patients who underwent surgery and embolization versus 41 patients who underwent surgery only. Both groups were categorized by Spetzler-Martin grade and evaluated with the Glasgow Outcome Scale at various intervals. The long-term follow-up in months was, for surgery only, mean of 35 and range of 4 to 59, and for surgery and embolization, mean of 10 and range of 1 to 19).RESULTSThe arteriovenous malformations in the surgery and embolization group had a larger average greatest diameter (4.2 +/- 1.5 cm versus 3.4 +/- 1.8 cm) and were of higher Spetzler-Martin grade (89% versus 68% grade III-V). No significant difference in the preoperative or immediate postoperative (less than 24 hours) Glasgow Outcome Scale was identified between the two groups. At I week after surgery, the surgery and embolization group displayed a significantly better outcome evaluation (70% versus 41% with Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 5). The long-term evaluation continued to favor the surgery and embolization patients (86% versus 66% with Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 5).CONCLUSIONPreoperative N-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization improves postsurgical outcome.     

椎管内硬膜外海绵状血管瘤的MRI诊断及鉴别诊断

目的探讨椎管内硬膜外海绵状血管瘤的MRI诊断及鉴别诊断价值。资料与方法回顾性分析5例经病理证实的椎管内硬膜外海绵状血管瘤的MRI表现,并与硬膜外其他病变进行鉴别。结果5例中,4例位于胸段,1例位于胸腰段,均沿脊椎纵轴生长,呈梭形或长椭圆形;病变平面脊髓明显受压,3例肿块呈"钳"状包绕脊髓;5例均表现为T2WI高信号,T1WI等或稍高信号,增强扫描均匀一致明显强化;2例肿瘤沿相邻的椎间孔呈"哑铃"状生长,并使椎间孔扩大。结论椎管内硬膜外海绵状血管瘤的MRI表现具有一定特征性,但需与硬膜外其他病变相鉴别。     

脊柱血管瘤的MR表现与组织学相关性及其临床意义

脊柱血管瘤是一种十分常见的良性肿瘤，通常不产生症状。少数血管瘤产生背部疼痛症状，甚至表现出一定的侵袭性，造成神经根或脊髓受压。脊柱血管瘤，特别是侵袭性血管瘤MR表现复杂，人们对他们的MR表现缺乏统一的认识。本文通过脊柱血管瘤MR和组织学相关性对照分析，综述脊柱血管瘤的MRI及其在评价侵袭性血管瘤中的作用。     

椎体成形术缓解疼痛和稳定脊柱的影像和临床评价

目的:探讨经皮穿刺椎体成形术治疗脊柱病变对缓解疼痛和稳定脊柱的价值.材料和方法:对45例共62个椎体行经皮穿刺椎体成形术,其中血管瘤4例4个椎体、骨质疏松7例13个椎体、椎体恶性肿瘤34例46个椎体.经CT扫描定位,将不透X线骨水泥(主要成分为粉剂甲基丙烯酸树脂多聚体和液态甲基丙烯酸树脂单体)按粉剂与液体为4:1比例混合调制成糊状,用1ml注射器匀速缓慢注入病变椎体.结果:本组完全缓解(CR)率77.78%,部分缓解(PR)率17.78%,有效率为95.56%.其中7例骨质疏松症所致压缩性骨折者获CR4例,PR3例;4例血管瘤患者3例获CR,1例获PR;34例恶性瘤中28例获CR,4例获PR.止痛作用2周至18个月持续有效.CT和平片随访观察骨水泥密度、形态与术后所见无变化,未见椎体进一步压缩.结论:经皮穿刺椎体成形术适用于椎体血管瘤、骨质疏松、转移瘤等溶骨性病变,具有稳定脊柱和减轻疼痛的作用.     

椎管内海绵状血管瘤的MRI诊断

目的：探讨椎管内海绵状血管瘤的MRI定性诊断价值。方法：回顾性分析9例经手术病理证实的椎管内海绵状血管瘤的MRI表现.9例均行MRT1WI和T2WI,7例行增强扫描。结果：9例椎管内海绵状血管瘤中,7例位于胸椎椎管,2例位于颈胸椎椎管;9例肿瘤均沿脊椎纵轴、呈梭形或长条形生长,主要位于椎管内硬膜外腔;横轴面图像上肿块呈钳状包绕、推压邻近脊髓,2例肿瘤侵犯、压迫相邻的椎间孔并使其扩大,且经椎间孔突入椎旁间隙呈哑铃状。9例肿瘤中7例信号均匀,于T1WI上呈低信号,于T2WI上呈高信号,增强扫描示病灶呈较均匀一致的明显强化;2例肿瘤合并出血,T1WI和T2WI上均呈不均匀混杂信号。9例中2例合并椎体血管瘤。结论：椎管内海绵状血管瘤的MRI表现有一定特征性。     

Percutaneous Access via the Recanalized Paraumbilical Vein for Varix Embolization in Seven Patients

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous access via the recanalized paraumbilical vein for varix embolization.

Materials and Methods

Between July 2008 and Jan 2014, percutaneous access via the recanalized paraumbilical vein for varix embolization was attempted in seven patients with variceal bleeding. Paraumbilical vein puncture was performed under ultrasonographic guidance, followed by introduction of a 5-Fr sheath. We retrospectively evaluated the technical feasibility, procedure-related complications, and clinical outcomes of each patient.

Results

Recanalized paraumbilical vein catheterization was performed successfully in all patients. Gastroesophageal varix embolization was performed in six patients, and umbilical varix embolization was performed in one patient. Embolic materials used are N-butyl cyanoacrylate (n = 6) and coil with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (n = 1). There were no procedure-related complications. One patient underwent repeated variceal embolization 6 hours after initial procedure via recanalized paraumbilical vein, due to rebleeding from gastric varix.

Conclusion

Percutaneous access via the paraumbilical vein for varix embolization is a simple alternative in patients with portal hypertension.     

脊柱血管瘤经皮椎体成形术术前磁共振影像学征象分析评估

目的探讨脊柱血管瘤经皮椎体成形术(PVP)治疗前的MR影像学征象。方法回顾性分析在脊柱MRI检查中发现的286例脊柱血管瘤(VH)患者的年龄,血管瘤发生部位、大小及数目、临床症状及MRI表现。结果 286例(336个)VH中,腰椎(43.15%)和胸椎(37.80%)发病率最高,50～59岁所占比率最高(34.62%),平均直径14.56 mm,单发者占85.66%,2个血管瘤同时发生者占10.14%。其中12例(4.20%)表现为单纯的相应椎体疼痛,2例(0.70%)出现脊髓受压症状。侵袭性血管瘤MRI呈T1W等低、T2W压脂高信号。4例行单纯PVP治疗,2例侵袭性VH行肿瘤部分切除联合PVP治疗。结论 VH的PVP术前MRI评估有助于指导治疗方案的选择。     

Spinal epidural hemangiomas: various types of MR imaging features with histopathologic correlation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Because of the high vascularization of hemangiomas, preoperative misinterpretation may result in unexpected intraoperative hemorrhage and incomplete resection, which results in the persistence of clinical symptoms or recurrence. Our purpose was to analyze various MR imaging features of a spinal epidural hemangioma with histopathologic correlation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After searching through the pathology data bases in 3 hospitals, we included 14 patients (9 male and 5 female; mean age, 38 years; age range, 2-62 years) with spinal epidural hemangiomas confirmed by surgical resection after MR imaging. Three radiologists reviewed the MR imaging in consensus and categorized the features into subtypes on the basis of histopathologic findings. RESULTS: We categorized the MR imaging features as follows: type A for a cystlike mass with T1 hyperintensity (2 cases, arteriovenous type with an organized hematoma), type B for a cystlike mass with T1 isointensity (3 cases, venous type), type C for a solid hypervascular mass (7 cases, cavernous type), and type D for an epidural hematoma (2 cases, cavernous type with hematoma). Types A and B had frequent single segmental involvement (4/5), whereas types C and D had multisegmental involvement in all. Regardless of MR types, lobular contour (8/14) and a rim of low T2 signal intensity (8/14) of the mass were common. T1 hyperintensity of the mass was occasionally seen (5/14). CONCLUSIONS: Spinal epidural hemangiomas can have various MR imaging features according to their different histopathologic backgrounds. In addition to common features such as solid hypervascularity, lobular contour, and a rim of low T2 signal intensity, T1 hyperintensity or multisegmental involvement may also be a clue in the differential diagnosis of a spinal epidural hemangioma.     

Methylene diphosphonate uptake in a case of vertebral hemangioma: demonstration with hybrid SPECT/CT

Osseous hemangiomas are usually asymptomatic. Symptomatic hemangiomas are rare and represent approximately 1% of all cases. Hemangiomas usually present as photopenic defects in methylene diphosphonate (MDP) bone scintigraphy. MDP uptake in vertebral hemangiomas is extremely rare. We report a 20-year-old woman who presented with upper back pain. MDP bone scan showed focus of MDP uptake in the seventh dorsal vertebra. SPECT/CT localized the uptake to vertebral body and transverse process with CT findings suggestive of hemangioma. Further, MRI also confirmed hemangioma in the same location.     

Preoperative Onyx embolization of aggressive vertebral hemangiomas

We report the first use of Onyx in the embolization of spinal tumors in 2 cases of aggressive vertebral hemangioma. In both cases, Onyx embolization provided effective preoperative tumor devascularization after the initial prolonged particulate embolization with Embospheres made little overall impact. Onyx enables a more rapid and visible embolization than particles and is less technically demanding than traditional liquid embolic agents, such as n-butyl cyanoacrylate.     

Computed tomography of spinal epidural hematoma

Three cases of spinal epidural hematoma are presented. Computed tomography (CT) was the first diagnostic method used in two patients and demonstrated a surgically confirmed spinal epidural hematoma in both patients. In a third patient who presented with a complete block on myelography, CT was helpful in assessment of the extent of the lesion and suggested a vertebral hemangioma as the cause of the hematoma. CT is a very useful tool in the diagnosis of spinal epidural hematomas.     

椎管硬膜外原发肿瘤的MRI诊断

目的：探讨MRI对椎管硬膜外原发肿瘤的诊断价值。资料与方法：分析经手术病理证实的16例硬膜外原发肿瘤的MRI表现，结果：MR定位正确率为100％，5例血管脂肪瘤中4例以脂肪信号为主，瘤体内血管成分表现为条带状T2WI低信号，T2WI高信号，3例海绵状血管瘤呈椭圆形，T1WI呈低信号，T2WI呈高信号，注射对比剂后可明显均匀强化，1例血管瘤MR表现与海绵状血管瘤相似。4例恶性淋巴瘤T1WI呈等低信号，T2WI呈等或稍高信号，可中度或显著强化，有2例通过椎间孔向椎旁生长，1例破坏邻近椎体形成巨大软组织肿块，3例脊膜瘤呈宽基底附着于硬膜，T1WI呈中等信号，T2WI呈等信号，瘤体明显的均匀强化，邻近硬膜增厚，结论：根据椎管硬膜外原发肿瘤的MR表现，可准确定位并可推测其病理类型。     

Percutaneous Technique for Sclerotherapy of Vertebral Hemangioma Compressing Spinal Cord

Purpose: In this study we report a percutaneous technique to achieve sclerosis of vertebral hemangioma and decompression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. Methods: Under CT guidance the affected vertebral body is punctured by a biopsy needle and sclerosant is injected directly into the tumor. In the case of large paravertebral extension, additional injection is given in the paravertebral soft tissue component to induce shrinkage of the whole tumor mass and release of the compressed spinal cord. Results: Using this technique we treated five patients in whom vertebral hemangioma gave rise to neurologic symptoms. In three patients, sclerotherapy was the only treatment given. In the other two patients, sclerotherapy was preceded by transcatheter embolization. Neither decompressive surgery, radiation therapy nor stabilization was required with this technique. Conclusion: Our experience with CT-guided intraosseous sclerotherapy has proved highly satisfactory.     

Vertebral Augmentation for Neoplastic Lesions with Posterior Wall Erosion and Epidural Mass

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:The presence of a cortical erosion of the posterior wall or an epidural mass is commonly considered a contraindication to performing a vertebral augmentation, considering the perceived increased risk of an epidural cement leak. Our aim was to assess technical and clinical complications of vertebral augmentation procedures performed for pain palliation and/or stabilization of neoplastic lytic vertebral body lesions, with cortical erosion of the posterior wall, often associated with a soft-tissue epidural mass.MATERIALS AND METHODS:In 48 patients, we performed retrospective vertebral augmentation assessment on 70 consecutive levels with cortical erosion of the posterior wall, as demonstrated by preprocedural CT/MR imaging. An epidural mass was present in 31/70 (44.3%) levels. Cavity creation was performed with Coblation Wands before cement injection in 59/70 levels. Injection of high-viscosity polymethylmethacrylate was performed under real-time continuous fluoroscopic control. Postprocedural CT of the treated levels was performed in all cases. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1 and 4 weeks postprocedurally.RESULTS:In 65/70 (92.8%) levels, the vertebral augmentation resulted in satisfactory polymethylmethacrylate filling of the lytic cavity and adjacent trabecular spaces in the anterior half of the vertebral body. An epidural leak of polymethylmethacrylate occurred in 10/70 (14.2%) levels, causing radicular pain in 3 patients, which spontaneously resolved within 1 week in 2 patients, while 1 patient with a T1–T2 foraminal leak developed severe weakness of the intrinsic hand muscles and a permanent motor deficit.CONCLUSIONS:In our series of vertebral augmentation of neoplastic lytic vertebral lesions performed for palliation of pain and/or stabilization, we observed a polymethylmethacrylate epidural leak in only 14.2% of levels, despite the presence of cortical erosion of the posterior wall and an epidural mass, with an extremely low rate of clinical complications. Our data seem to justify use of vertebral augmentation in patients with intractable pain or those at risk for vertebral collapse.

Spinal metastases, which are present in approximately 5% of patients with systemic cancer,^1,2 are often associated with severe pain and reduced quality of life and can lead to potential catastrophic complications linked to spinal cord compression.³Vertebroplasty, first described in 1987,⁴ and, in more general terms, vertebral augmentation (VA) procedures are widely performed, especially for osteoporotic fractures⁵ but also as palliative treatment for painful or at-risk-of-collapse neoplastic lytic vertebral body lesions.⁶ The intent of the procedure is to relieve pain and/or stabilize the vertebral body to arrest a developing fracture or prevent a new one.^7–9 Multiple recent studies have shown a significant improvement in clinical outcomes (including pain) by using percutaneous vertebroplasty with or without kyphoplasty.^10–12 The presence of a cortical erosion of the posterior wall (CE-PW) or an epidural mass (EM) is commonly considered a contraindication to performing VA, considering the perceived increased risk of an epidural polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement leak.¹³ A PMMA epidural leak carries the risk of compression of the spinal cord and/or the nerve roots. The cement may also displace the tumor posteriorly, through a dehiscent posterior wall into the spinal canal; this event may be an even more dangerous complication, given the lack of control and visualization under fluoroscopy.¹³The recently introduced controlled ablation (Coblation; ArthroCare, Austin, Texas) is a technique that allows the destruction of the tumor by placing a radiofrequency “wand” through the vertebroplasty needle and uses the activation of a plasma field to vaporize the neoplastic soft tissue and create a cavity¹⁴; this cavity can then be filled more precisely and with low-pressure injection with PMMA, with a reduced risk of cement leak and posterior tumor displacement.^15,16 The use of high-viscosity PMMA has a rationale in the treatment of such lesions, having been reported to help reduce the rate of extravertebral cement leak in benign and malignant fractures.¹⁷The aim of this work was to assess technical and clinical complications of VA, performed for pain palliation and/or stabilization of neoplastic lytic vertebral body lesions, in a cohort of patients with CE-PW with or without associated soft-tissue EM.     

椎管内硬膜外肿瘤MRI征象比较分析

目的:根据椎管内硬脊膜外肿瘤的MRI表现和病理基础,对病变的性质和鉴别诊断进行探讨。方法:选择40例经手术病理证实的椎管内硬脊膜外病变,观察病变形态、MRI影像特征及与周围组织的关系。结果:髓外硬膜外病变都有硬膜外征表现,多数病变可沿椎间孔生长,转移瘤、淋巴瘤均有椎体附件骨质破坏,但破坏的表现不同;血管畸形、血管脂肪瘤可见到流空信号、神经鞘瘤、硬膜外脊膜瘤在发病部位、病变形态、与周围组织关系及MRI信号均有各自特点。结论:椎管内硬膜外肿瘤均有特征性MRI表现,并可在病理学上找到依据,病变征象对比分析有助于鉴别诊断。