Intramedullary Capillary Hemangioma Presenting with Hydrocephalus and Spastic Paraparesis in 2-Month-Old Infant

Abstract

Background: Intramedullary capillary hemangiomas are rare lesions with only 14 cases reported so far and are found in middle-aged persons. Until now only a single case has been reported in the pediatric population. Ours was the second pediatric case and the youngest of all to be diagnosed with an intramedullary capillary hemangioma.

Case description: We are reporting the case of a 2-month male child who presented with features of hydrocephalus and spastic paraparesis. On magnetic resonance imaging he had features suggestive of a D10-11 intradural extramedullary lesion and hydrocephalus. We did a ventriculoperitoneal shunt followed by excision of the lesion in the same sitting. Intraoperatively it was found to be an intramedullary lesion, and histopathologic examination showed features suggestive of capillary hemangioma. Postoperatively he recovered well and there is no recurrence 18 months after surgery.

Conclusions: Intramedullary capillary hemangiomas are extremely rare lesions in infants but should be kept in mind while treating any patient with the spinal lesion. Further reporting of similar cases will help in understanding the natural history, pathogenesis, and management.

Keywords: Capillary; Hemangiomas; Intramedullary; Spinal; Tumor; Vascular.