Innovations in Spinal Hemangioblastoma Management

Abstract

Introduction: Spinal hemangioblastomas are benign, rare neoplasms of spinal cord vasculature. They may occur as solitary lesions or with associated intracranial hemangioblastomas, this association is seen in Von Hippel Lindau syndrome (VHL). Aims: This literature review serves to highlight various innovative therapeutic modalities used to treat this pathology. Methods: The articles were obtained though PubMed Central or Google scholar, initially more than 30 articles were selected; however, additional only: clinical trials, retrospective studies, or case series/ reports were selected. This resulted in final analysis of 20 articles. Results: Surgical resection is carried out with either an: open or microsurgical approach with either an endoscopic or minimally invasive technique. The specific surgical intervention depends on the spread of the neoplasm. Pre-operative angiography is a critical predictor of surgical success. Arterial embolization may also be conducted preoperatively to minimize neoplasm vascularity. Stereotactic radiosurgery often conducted with gamma knife or LINAC, has remarkably improved treatment. Pharmacologic therapies.