[The efficacy of radiotherapy in vertebral hemangiomas].
OBJECTIVE
Assessment of the efficacy of radiation therapy for symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas.


METHODS
Records of 19 patients who were treated from 1969 to 1988 were retrospectively analyzed. Radiation treatment was given at 2 Gy per fraction to 20 Gy (n = 2), 30 Gy (n = 11), or 40 Gy (n = 6). Improvement of symptoms was chosen to determine the efficacy of the treatment. In addition the lesions were controlled radiographically.


RESULTS
Symptomatic improvement was achieved in 17 of 19 patients, remission was complete in 7 patients. No dose-response relationship was observed. The median time to improvement of symptoms was 3 months. The radiographic controls did not correlate with the clinical course.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas. The aim of the treatment is to ameliorate clinical symptoms, radiographic improvement is of minor importance.
Winkler
C
C
Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden.
Dornfeld
S
S
Baumann
M
M
Christen
N
N
Herrmann
T
T
Eberhardt
H J
HJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging