History of Present Illness
MO is a 49 year old male with a history of multiple sclerosis who presents with a one year history of progressive numbness in his shoulders bilateral and upper back. The patient describes occasional sharp pains that radiate to his first three fingers on his right hand. He denies weakness, clumsiness, difficulty walking, or bladder/bowel dysfunction. He describes no problems with handwriting, or fine motor skills

Falowski MD, Steven

Harrop MD, James S.

Ratliff MD, John K.

Sharan MD, Ashwini

Jefferson Digital Commons

JHN JournalVolume 4 | Issue 2 Article 4Winter 12-1-2008Case Report: Intramedullary Cervical Spinal CordHemangioblastoma with an Evaluation of vonHippel-Lindau DiseaseSteven Falowski MDThomas Jefferson University, Steven.falowski@jefferson.eduAshwini Sharan MDThomas Jefferson University, Ashwini.Sharan@jefferson.eduJames S. Harrop MDThomas Jefferson University, james.harrop@jefferson.eduJohn K. Ratliff MDThomas Jefferson University, John.Ratliff@jefferson.eduFollow this and additional works at: http://jdc.jefferson.edu/jhnjPart of the Neurology CommonsLet us know how access to this document benefits youThis Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Jefferson Digital Commons. The Jefferson Digital Commons is a service of ThomasJefferson University's Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). The Commons is a showcase for Jefferson books and journals, peer-reviewed scholarlypublications, unique historical collections from the University archives, and teaching tools. The Jefferson Digital Commons allows researchers andinterested readers anywhere in the world to learn about and keep up to date with Jefferson scholarship. This article has been accepted for inclusion inJHN Journal by an authorized administrator of the Jefferson Digital Commons. For more information, please contact:JeffersonDigitalCommons@jefferson.edu.Recommended CitationFalowski MD, Steven; Sharan MD, Ashwini; Harrop MD, James S.; and Ratliff MD, John K. (2008) "Case Report: IntramedullaryCervical Spinal Cord Hemangioblastoma with an Evaluation of von Hippel-Lindau Disease," JHN Journal: Vol. 4: Iss. 2, Article 4.Available at: http://jdc.jefferson.edu/jhnj/vol4/iss2/41 JHN JOURNAL Case Report: Intramedullary Cervical Spinal Cord Hemangioblastoma with an Evaluation of von Hippel-Lindau DiseaseSteven Falowski MD, Ashwini Sharan MD, James S. Harrop MD, John K. Ratliff MDDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania History of Present IllnessMO is a 49 year old male with a history of multiple sclerosis who presents with a one year history of progressive numbness in his shoulders bilateral and upper back. The patient describes occasional sharp pains that radiate to his first three fingers on his right hand. He denies weakness, clumsiness, difficulty walking, or bladder/bowel dysfunction. He describes no problems with handwriting, or fine motor skills.Hospital Course A MRI of the brain was performed early in the course of symptoms demonstrating his known mul-tiple sclerosis lesions without any changes. With continued worsening symptoms, further workup included an MRI of the cervical spine which demonstrated a 1 cm homogenously enhancing intra-medullary lesion at C2 with an associated cyst and syrinx.Prior to surgical intervention, the patient was counseled on the risks entailed in the removal of a spinal cord tumor. Based on the characteristics on the MRI, a diagnosis of hemangioblastoma was favored and therefore the possibility of having von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease was discussed with the patient. The patient underwent an MRI of the complete neuro-axis including brain and spinal cord screening for any other lesions. An ultrasound of the abdomen was performed which demonstrated no renal lesions, liver lesions, or adrenal masses. An ophthalmologic examination demonstrated none of the stigmatisms associated with VHL.Prior to surgical excision, an angiogram was performed for the potential to embolize any large vessels. However, no tumor blush was appreciated during the angiogram. The patient underwent a laminectomy from C1-3 to expose the spinal cord. Intra-operative ultra-sound was used to isolate the borders of the nodule and define the cystic component. A dural incision and midline myelotomy was performed. The tumor was removed en bloc and the cyst decompressed. The tumor was noted to be significantly vascular. Intra- operative ultrasound was utilized to confirm full resection. During removal of the tumor somatosensory evoked potentials were noted to decrease by approximately 50% in all four extremities.The patient worked with physical therapy and was discharged home on post operative day number four. His post operative incisional pain was controlled with Percocet. The patient was also administered Valium and Neurontin to help with the neck pain and parasthesias following the surgery. The patient’s neurological exam on discharge demonstrated mild numbness in the right upper extremity and slight weakness in right hand grip, with resolution of preoperative sensory deficits in the lower extremities. Motor exam was 5/5 in all other muscle groups. Postoperative MRI demonstrated no residual tumor with expected post operative changes. Pathology was consistent with hemangioblastoma. In follow up the patients remaining right upper extremity numbness had resolved and the patient was able to return to work 8 weeks postoperatively.DiscussionThe decision to proceed with surgery was based on the natural history of this tumor. It may continue to grow and with further expanding of the syrinx or cystic cavity may produce further neurological deterioration. It can be anticipated that the best time for surgery would be while the patient has a strong neurological status and best chance for recovery.Hemangioblastoma is a vascular neoplasm of the central nervous system. It is the most common primary neoplasm in the adult cer-ebellum, but is rarely a tumor of the spine1. Hemangioblastoma may occur sporadically or as a component of von Hippel-Lindau syn-drome. Radiological findings such as associated cyst, an associated syrinx, and/or surrounding spinal cord reaction or edema2, 3 are helpful in diagnosing hemangioblastoma. Thirty-two per-cent of patients with spinal hemangioblastoma have von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Symptoms of spinal hemangioblastoma are similar to those of other spinal canal tumors and include sensory change, motor disturbance, and pain. Because the presentation of spinal hemangioblastoma is similar to that of other spinal canal masses, MRI studies can be useful in suggesting a diagnosis2.VHL is a rare genetic condition. The disease is an autosomal dominant disorder carried on the third chromosome with near complete penetra-tion and variable expression4. The gene behaves Past Medical History Hypertension, Diverticulits, Multiple Sclerosis, optic neuritisPast Surgical History Inguinal hernia repair, Colectomy, Re-anastomosis of bowelSocial History Inguinal hernia repair, Colectomy, Re-anastomosis of bowelAllergies NKDAMedications Toprol, Beta InterferonInitial Neurological Exam The patient’s exam was consistent with a decrease to light touch in  his bilateral lower extremities and right upper extremity. Pinprick and proprioception were intact. Motor strength was 5/5 in all muscle  groups. There were no difficulties with tandem gait. Reflexes were 2+ throughout and symmetric. The patient had showed neither Babinski’s nor Hoffman’s sign.1Falowski MD et al.: Case Report: Intramedullary Cervical Spinal Cord HemangioblastomaPublished by Jefferson Digital Commons, 20091JHN JOURNAL as a typical tumor suppressor gene. The age of onset, as well as severity is variable. There are various subtypes which characterize the risks of developing renal call carcinoma, pheochromocy-toma, and angiomatosis. Angiomas are the most common presenting signs and symptoms of this disease syndrome. Of note, only 20% of patients with VHL develop pheochromocytomas. Features of VHL can include hemangioblasto-ma’s in the cerebellum and spinal cord, as well as angiomatosis in the retina and other organs.1 Other features include pheochromocytoma, renal cell and pancreatic cysts, renal cell carci-noma, as well as café au lait spots. Neurological sequeala and death arise from complications associated with central nervous system tumors, as well as cardiovascular instability secondary to a pheochromocytoma. Decrease in visual acuity and blindness may arise as well5.Work up for suspected VHL can include genetic studies, as well as Vanillylmandelic acid levels in urine. Imaging studies can include an MRI of the brain and spinal cord, ultrasound and/or CT of the abdomen, and ophthalmic exam with ocular dopplers5. VHL is usually a progressive disease and therapy should begin as soon as the diagnosis is made. Surgical treatment is usually indicated.References:Huson SM, Harper PS, Hourihan MD, et al. Cerebellar haemangioblastoma and von Hippel-Lindau disease. Brain. Dec 1986;109 ( Pt 6):1297-310. Browne TR, Adams RD, Robertson GH. Hemangioblastoma of the spinal cord. Arch Neurol 1976;33:435-441 Maher ER, Bentley E, Yates JR, et al. Mapping of von Hippel-Lindau disease to chromosome 3p confirmed by genetic linkage analysis. J Neurol Sci. Dec 1990;100(1-2):27-30.  Moore AJ. Ophthalmologic Screening of Von Hippel Lindau Disease. Eye. 1992;5:90-2. Parizel PM, Baleriaux D, Rodesch G, et al. Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging of spinal tumors. AJNR 1989;10:249-258 1.2.3.4.5.Figure 1T1 axial MRI post contrastFigure 2T1 sagittal MRI post contrastn?Figure 3T2 sagittal MRICase Report: Spine Tumor 2JHN Journal, Vol. 4 [2009], Iss. 2, Art. 4http://jdc.jefferson.edu/jhnj/vol4/iss2/4

Case Report: Intramedullary Cervical Spinal Cord Hemangioblastoma with an Evaluation of von Hippel-Lindau Disease

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Case Report: Intramedullary Cervical Spinal Cord Hemangioblastoma with an Evaluation of von Hippel-Lindau Disease

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