Hemangioblastoma of the cervicomedullary junction. Report of three cases.

Solid hemangioblastomas of the cervicomedullary junction are benign vascular neoplasms malignantly located. Their unusual and characteristic clinical presentations include loss of involuntary respiratory drive, neurogenic hypertension, and emesis; these are secondary to their involvement of the tractus solitarius in the medulla. Although angiography is diagnostic, the computerized tomography appearance and unusual location also suggest the diagnosis. The correct preoperative diagnosis is particularly important for the successful surgical excision of these vascular tumors. The microsurgical removal of cervicomedullary hemangioblastomas is described in three patients.