Lymphangioma of the craniocervical junction. Case report

Spinal lymphangiomas: Case-based review of a chameleonic disease entity

Purpose

Lymphangiomas are benign hamartomas in the spectrum of lymphatic malformations, exhibiting multifaceted clinical features. Spinal involvement is exceedingly rare, with only 35 cases reported to date. Both due to their rarity and chameleonic radiologic features, spinal lymphangiomas (SLs) are usually misdiagnosed; postoperatively, surgeons are thus confronted with an unexpected histopathological diagnosis with sparse pertinent literature and no treatment guidelines available.

Methods

Here, we report the case of a 67-year-old female who underwent surgery for a T6-T7 epidural SL with transforaminal extension, manifesting with spastic paraparesis. Then, we present the results of the first systematic review of the literature on this subject, delineating the clinical and imaging features and the therapeutic implications of this rare disease entity.

Results

Our patient was treated with T6-T7 hemilaminectomy and resection of the epidural mass, with complete recovery of her neurological picture. No recurrence was evident at 18 months. In the literature, 35 cases of SL were reported that can be classified as vertebral SL (n = 18), epidural SL (n = 10), intradural SL (n = 3), or intrathoracic lymphangiomas with secondary spinal involvement (n = 4). Specific treatment strategies (both surgical and nonsurgical) were adopted in relation to each of these categories.

Conclusion

Gathering knowledge about SL is fundamental to promote both correct preoperative identification and appropriate perioperative management of this rare disease entity. By reviewing the literature and discussing an exemplary case, we delineate a framework that can guide surgeons facing such an unfamiliar diagnosis.

Massive osteolysis of the skull and upper cervical spine. Case report and review of the literature

Massive osteolysis is a type of idiopathic osteolysis in which there is spontaneous onset of bone resorption. Almost any bone in the body can be affected. The authors present the case of a 62-year-old man diagnosed with massive osteolysis of the occipital bone and the upper two cervical vertebrae. Despite extensive pneumocephalus, no neurological sign or spinal instability was evident. In this case 4000 cGy of radiation in 200-cGy fractions was administered to the diseased area while the patient was kept in a Miami-J collar. At the 2-year follow-up examination, arrest of the disease process and new bone formation was evident on radiographic studies.