[Results of radiotherapy for vertebral hemangioma].
OBJECTIVE
Assessment of treatment results of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas and review of the literature (Table 3).


METHODS
Ten patients treated between 1974 to 1997 were retrospectively analyzed. Efficacy of treatment was determined according to improvement of pain and/or neurological symptoms (Table 1).


RESULTS
Improvement was achieved in 8 of 10 patients. The initially existing neurological symptoms of 3 patients disappeared completely in 2 cases and improved in 1 case. Acute side effects were slight. Late side effects were not seen. A dose-effect relationship could not be assessed. There was no relapse.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiotherapy with 30 Gy for symptomatic vertebral angioma as primary therapy is indicated. In case of neurological symptoms a radiotherapy after operative therapy is recommendable even if the patient is free of symptoms to prevent progress or relapse.
Brackrock
S
S
Abteilung für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Universitätskrankenhaus Hamburg-Eppendorf. heesen@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Krüll
A
A
Schwarz
R
R
Alberti
W
W
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome