A case of extramedullary subdural spindle cell hemangioendothelioma of the thoracic spinal cord treated curatively with radiation therapy

Spindle cell hemangioendothelioma (SCH) is a very rare type of benign tumor. This paper reports a case of SCH located in the spinal cord that was successfully treated with a lower dose of radiation therapy than previously used. The patient, a 56-year-old man, presented with lower back pain and muscle weakness. After surgery to remove the tumor, some tumor remained, and he received radiation therapy. The patient's symptoms improved, and the tumor remained stable during follow-up. The study suggests that radiation therapy, even at a lower dose of 40Gy, can be an effective treatment for SCH in the spinal cord, particularly when surgery is not fully successful or feasible.

• 1
  A radiation dose of 40Gy was effective in controlling the SCH tumor and preventing recurrence in this case.
• 2
  Neurological symptoms returned to normal four months after radiotherapy and remained stable during the 24-month follow-up.
• 3
  The study suggests that epidural lesions are more likely to occur in the upper segment of the thoracic spine, while intramedullary lesions are more likely in the middle segment, and extramedullary subdural lesions in the lower segment.