Multiple Spinal Metastases of Hemangiopericytoma: Case Report

The authors report a case of multiple spinal metastasis from a meningeal hemangiopericytoma. A 35-year-old man who had undergone radical resection of temporal hemangiopericytoma presented with a two-month history of worsening low back pain and severe radiating pain on the left leg. Radiologic examination demonstrated a tumor involving body, pedicle and facet joint on the left side of L4 compressing dural sac with large paraspinal extension. Also there was a small tumor on left side pedicle and posterior body of T10. Satisfactory results were obtained after gross total resection of tumors on both regions with posterior lumbar instrumented fusion. Unlike a well differentiated tumor on temporal lesion, the metastatic spinal lesions were anaplastic histologically. Multiple spinal metastasis should be considered after surgical treatment of cranial hemangiopericytoma.

Vertebral Artery Injury during Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: Report of Two Cases

Vertebral artery injury is a rare complication of anterior cervical approach. We report two patients who suffered injury to vertebral artery during anterior cervical spine surgery. The mechanism of injury, their operative management, and the subsequent outcome were assessed and relevant literatures reviewed. The awareness of the possibility of vertebral artery injury is most important to prevent and it's occurrence is best avoided by a thorough understanding of the anatomical relationships of the artery, the spinal canal, and the vertebral body and careful use of surgical instruments.