Giant vertebral hemangioma masquerading as aggressive tumor: Tc-99m tagged RBC scan can help to solve the diagnostic conundrum!

Abstract

Hemangiomas are the most common benign lesions involving the spine. Metastasis is the most common malignant condition. The diagnosis of typical hemangiomas on conventional CT and MRI imaging is straightforward. However, when the hemangiomas are very large they may have atypical features making their diagnosis on these conventional imaging modalities inconclusive. In such cases nuclear medicine techniques such as Tc-99m RBC may aid in resolving the diagnostic conundrum. Awareness and use of proper diagnostic modality can prevent unnecessary biopsy. In this case report we try to highlight the added value of Tc-99m RBC scan to conventional imaging techniques in differentiating giant vertebral hemangioma from more aggressive malignant tumors. Keywords: Giant vertebral hemangioma, Tc-99m tagged RBC scan, Aggressive, Tumor, Mimic