Aggressive Vertebral Hemangioma: The Mystery of Spastic Legs Unveiled by a Purple Shoulder

Abstract

Vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) are benign vascular tumors that develop from the endoderm of blood vessels, although their exact pathogenesis is poorly understood. Most hemangiomas are small, about a third are multiple in number, and a very small number of these hemangiomas cause symptoms. Even more rare are aggressive VHs, which comprise a small number of all VHs, and are associated with expansion and extraosseous extension into the paraspinal and epidural spaces. Management of aggressive VHs involve pre-op embolization, spinal surgery, and reconstruction. Pain management, physical rehabilitation, and close neurological follow-up are imperative to near-total recovery. Aggressive VHs are most commonly seen in the thoracic region but may rarely involve a large number of vertebrae. Cutaneous hemangiomas, when seen along with VHs, are often metameric.  We present a rare and challenging case of compressive myelopathy and a large cutaneous hemangioma or a "purple shoulder", found during an exam in a young male. He was found to have an extensive VH extending through 13 vertebral levels (C7 to D12), non-metameric to the cutaneous lesion. A thorough physical examination and evaluation along with prompt surgical treatment were the cornerstone of treatment and prevention of permanent neurological deficits.