Embolization in Vertebral Hemangioma; the First Experience in Iran

SUMMARY Vertebral hemangiomas are very common abnormalities involving human spinal column. Two different kinds of these lesions, symptomatic and asymptomatic hemangiomas are noted in the spine. The asymptomatic ones are found incidentally in spinal imaging investigations and don not need any theraputic action. The symptomatic hemangiomas, which are not as usual as former one but, causes significant morbidities for the patient. Surgical removal and packing the hemangioma is a well established curative procedure for these hemangiomas, embolization has proved to assist the surgeon for complete removal of tumor. The amount of bleeding, duration of surgery and final improvement of symptoms are significantly affected by embolization. First experience of vertebral embolization in 3 patients have been discussed in this article.