Symptomatic and aggressive vertebral hemangiomas in children: features of modern interpretation and treatment tactics

Objective. To analyze the features of clinical-radiological manifestations of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas in children and the possibility of algorithmizing their treatment. Material and Methods. As part of a monocenter cohort, 24 children aged 4 to 17 years received treatment for symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas. The clinical-radiological manifestations of the tumor and the effectiveness of various methods of invasive treatment were evaluated. Results. Symptomatic uncomplicated and complicated vertebral hemangiomas, corresponding to stages S2 and S3 of the Enneking classification for benign tumors, occur in children with almost equal frequency. For tumors without extravertebral spread, a closed percutaneous vertebroplasty provides stable relief of complaints. For aggressive hemangiomas with extravertebral, including epidural, spread, various treatment methods are used. An algorithm for choosing therapeutic tactics is proposed. Conclusion. Surgical treatment of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas should be carried out using a tactical algorithm that takes into account the stage of the tumor (S2 or S3) and the possibility of performing closed or open vertebroplasty, selective arterial embolization and decompression and stabilization operations on the spine.