(AS2) Globus Spine Tumor Award: Vascular Supply and Neurological Outcome After Surgical Treatment of Intradural Spinal Hemangioblastoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Case Series

Introduction: Spinal cord hemangioblastomas are rare highly hypervascularized benign neoplasms. Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice, with a significant risk of postoperative neurological deterioration.

Methods: Retrospective multicenter study including five high-volume neurosurgical centers assessing patients surgically treated for spinal hemangioblastomas between 2006 and 2021. Clinical status, surgical data, preoperative angiograms, and embolization were analyzed when available. Follow-up records were reviewed, and logistic regression performed to assess possible risk factors for neurological deterioration.

Results: We included 60 patients in 5 high-volume neurosurgical centers in Germany and Austria. Preoperative angiography was performed in 30% of the cases, ten patients underwent preoperative embolization. The clinical outcome revealed a transient postoperative neurological deterioration in 38.3%, depending on symptom duration and preoperative McCormick grading, but patients recovered in most cases until follow-up. Posterior tumor location and presence of a syrinx favored gross total tumor resection. Preoperative embolization was not associated with postoperative worsening.

Conclusion : Spinal hemangioblastoma patients significantly benefit from early surgical treatment with only transient postoperative deterioration and complete recovery until follow-up. The performance of preoperative angiograms remains subject to center disparities.