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Research ArticleTumor

Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma in the Thoracic Spine: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Kelechi Eseonu and Hanny Anwar
International Journal of Spine Surgery June 2020, 7056; DOI: https://doi.org/10.14444/7056
Kelechi Eseonu
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, London, United Kingdom
FRCS, MSc (Oxon)
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Hanny Anwar
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, London, United Kingdom
FRCS
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ABSTRACT

Background Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare, locally aggressive vascular tumor of childhood. It has been most commonly reported in the trunk, retroperitoneum, and extremities, but cases involving the head and neck have been described. While thought to have limited metastatic potential, it is associated with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS), a consumptive coagulopathy and profound thrombocytopenia that is associated with significant mortality. Twelve cases of KHE with bony involvement have previously been reported. Of these, only 2 involved the spine, and both were managed with medical therapy alone.

Case Presentation We report the first case of spinal KHE causing spinal cord compression managed with surgical excision presented in the literature to date.

Conclusions There are a number of treatment modalities outlined in the literature. The lack of a consensus is due to the varying methods of presentation, difficulty in diagnosis, and disease rarity. Our case highlights the potential speed of local growth of this tumor, meaning that excision may be a technical challenge, especially when there is epidural extension. Treating clinicians should be aware of the risk of progression beyond the initial tumor boundaries to involve new vertebrae.

  • kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE)
  • Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS)
  • vascular tumor
  • malignant cord compression

Footnotes

  • Disclosures and COI: Ethics approval was waived by the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital ethics board, as this case report did not involve a study or use of experimental treatment but was rather a retrospective report of treatment as per protocol that had already been completed. Consent for publication was sought from the legal guardian (mother) of the child, whose plain radiographs and MRI scans are included in this report. The authors declare that they have no competing interests. No funding was sought for this study. KE wrote the manuscript. HA reviewed and edited the manuscript.

  • ©International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery
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International Journal of Spine Surgery: 19 (S2)
International Journal of Spine Surgery
Vol. 19, Issue S2
1 Apr 2025
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Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma in the Thoracic Spine: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Kelechi Eseonu, Hanny Anwar
International Journal of Spine Surgery Jun 2020, 7056; DOI: 10.14444/7056

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Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma in the Thoracic Spine: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Kelechi Eseonu, Hanny Anwar
International Journal of Spine Surgery Jun 2020, 7056; DOI: 10.14444/7056
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Keywords

  • kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE)
  • Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS)
  • vascular tumor
  • malignant cord compression

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