Estrogen and progesterone receptor-negative T11 vertebral hemangioma presenting as a postpartum compression fracture: case report and management.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:

Pregnancy-related vertebral hemangioma compressive myelopathy is a rare occurrence that tends to arise in the upper thoracic and lower cervical spine, peaks during the third trimester, and remits after parturition. Whether corticosteroid receptors play a role in the pathogenesis of these lesions is unknown. Most of these lesions have been managed with posterior decompression.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 29-year-old woman presented with acute-onset lower-extremity weakness and sensory loss immediately after parturition.

INTERVENTION:

We used a retropleural approach for anterior decompression and fusion, followed by radiation therapy. Immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen and progesterone receptor expression was performed.

CONCLUSION:

We report an unusual case of lower thoracic postpartum vertebral hemangioma compressive myelopathy caused by a parturition-related compression fracture. Results of tests for corticosteroid receptors were negative, which implicated a hemodynamic rather than hormonal cause for disease progression.

• Authors: T H Schwartz, H Hibshoosh, C J Riedel
• Journal: Neurosurgery (Neurosurgery) Vol. 46 Issue 1 Pg. 218-21 (Jan 2000) ISSN: 0148-396X [Print] United States
• PMID: 10626954 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Estrogen
• Receptors, Progesterone

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Fractures, Spontaneous (etiology)
• Hemangioma (chemistry, complications, diagnosis)
• Humans
• Puerperal Disorders (etiology)
• Receptors, Estrogen (analysis)
• Receptors, Progesterone (analysis)
• Spinal Cord Compression (etiology)
• Spinal Fractures (etiology)
• Spinal Neoplasms (chemistry, complications, diagnosis)
• Thoracic Vertebrae