OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of clinical manifestations, diagnostic imaging, pathology, and microsurgical treatment of spinal cavernous malformation. METHODS: The clinical data of 28 patients with spinal cavernous malformation undergoing total resection through posterior approach during 1991-2006, all receiving MRI examination and 22 also receiving spinal DSA examination, were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 28 cases, 8 lesions were located in the cervical segment of the spinal cord; 12 lesions in the cervical-thoracic segment; 4 lesions in the thoracic segment; 2 in the lumbar segment, and 2 in the thoraco-lumbar segment. The MRI images looked like mulberry; a black ring around the cavernoma was indicated. The spinal cord tissues around the lesion were obviously stained by the deposited hemosiderin. Follow-up of 3 months to 6 year showed no recurrence. CONCLUSION: MRI is the most reliable method for diagnosis of spinal cavernous malformation and surgical resection is the best treatment method. The key of success is meticulous surgical techniques. DSA helps differentiate spinal cavernous malformation from other arterio-venous malformations.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of clinical manifestations, diagnostic imaging, pathology, and microsurgical treatment of spinal cavernous malformation. METHODS: The clinical data of 28 patients with spinal cavernous malformation undergoing total resection through posterior approach during 1991-2006, all receiving MRI examination and 22 also receiving spinal DSA examination, were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 28 cases, 8 lesions were located in the cervical segment of the spinal cord; 12 lesions in the cervical-thoracic segment; 4 lesions in the thoracic segment; 2 in the lumbar segment, and 2 in the thoraco-lumbar segment. The MRI images looked like mulberry; a black ring around the cavernoma was indicated. The spinal cord tissues around the lesion were obviously stained by the deposited hemosiderin. Follow-up of 3 months to 6 year showed no recurrence. CONCLUSION: MRI is the most reliable method for diagnosis of spinal cavernous malformation and surgical resection is the best treatment method. The key of success is meticulous surgical techniques. DSA helps differentiate spinal cavernous malformation from other arterio-venous malformations.