Results of preoperative embolization for metastatic spinal neoplasms Journal Article


Authors: Prabhu, V. C.; Bilsky, M. H.; Jambhekar, K.; Panageas, K. S.; Boland, P. J.; Lis, E.; Heier, L.; Nelson, P. K.
Article Title: Results of preoperative embolization for metastatic spinal neoplasms
Abstract: Object. Arterial embolization reduces blood loss in patients undergoing surgery for hypervascular spinal tumors. The objectives of this study were twofold: 1) to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in predicting tumor vascularity and 2) to assess the effectiveness of preoperative embolization in devascularizing these tumors. Methods. Fifty-one patients with metastatic spinal neoplasms underwent angiography, preoperative embolization, and excision of the lesion between 1995 and 2000. The MR imaging studies were correlated with tumor vascularity on angiograms. Embolization was angiographically graded on a five-point scale ranging from no embolization (Grade A) to total embolization (Grade E). The embolization grade was correlated with intraoperative blood loss. The mean age was 57 years, the male/female ratio was 1.2:1, and back pain was present in all patients. Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (30 cases) and thoracic spine involvement (33 cases) were most frequent. The positive predictive value of MR imaging in determining tumor vascularity was 77%, whereas the negative predictive value was 21%. Total embolization (Grade E) was achieved in 34 patients. A shared vascular pedicle between a radiculomedullary artery (RMA) and a tumor diminished the likelihood of complete embolization (p = 0.02). Small asymptomatic cerebellar infarctions were demonstrated in two cases. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 2586 ml. Following Grade D or E embolization, intraoperative bleeding was largely related to unembolized epidural veins. Conclusions. Tumor histology and MR imaging findings are predictive of hypervascularity; however, hypervascular tumors may not be detected by standard MR imaging sequences. Superselective catheterization permits Grade D or E embolization in 80% of patients. Shared blood supply with an RMA is the most important factor precluding complete embolization.
Keywords: adult; middle aged; survival analysis; major clinical study; artificial embolism; preoperative care; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; magnetic resonance imaging; metastasis; bleeding; kidney carcinoma; backache; intraoperative period; spinal neoplasms; catheterization; magnetic resonance; preoperative treatment; tumor vascularization; embolization, therapeutic; angiography; neurosurgical procedures; spine tumor; embolization; thoracic spine; arteriovenous fistula; humans; human; male; female; priority journal; article; spinal tumor; cerebellum infarction
Journal Title: Journal of Neurosurgery
Volume: 98
Issue: 2 Suppl.
ISSN: 0022-3085
Publisher: American Association of Neurological Surgeons  
Date Published: 2003-03-01
Start Page: 156
End Page: 164
Language: English
PUBMED: 12650400
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI: 10.3171/spi.2003.98.2.0156
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 12 September 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Patrick J Boland
    160 Boland
  2. Eric Lis
    138 Lis
  3. Mark H Bilsky
    319 Bilsky
  4. Katherine S Panageas
    512 Panageas