Brown-sequard syndrome after endovascular embolization of vertebral hemangioma

Abstract

Study design: Several causes of Brown-Sequard syndrome have been described. Endovascular embolization can be used to treat symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas. We describe a previously undocumented case of Brown-Sequard syndrome followed by endovascular embolization with microcoils of a vertebral hemangioma. We also provide a clinical-radiological correlation of this finding and review the relevant literature.

Case report: A 39-year-old male was referred to our hospital for endovascular treatment of a right T9 hemivertebral hemangioma with compromise of the spinal canal. Fifteen minutes after the procedure, the patient developed right lower limb weakness and numbness on the left leg. The emergency magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine showed no abnormalities. Five days later, a new spinal MRI revealed an infarction in the right half of the spinal cord at T6 and T7 level. This stroke was probably caused by a microcoil ended up in the right sulcocommisural artery. One week after surgery, the patient was able to raise the right leg against gravity, but sensory deficit showed no improvement.

Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of a Brown-Sequard syndrome related to vertebral hemangioma embolization, a relatively safe technique with no important complications made known until this report. Clinicians should always weight the benefits with the potential devastating complications of this therapeutic option.