Preoperative Embolization and Complete Tumoral Resection of a Cervical Aggressive Epithelioid Osteoblastoma.

Abstract

Epithelioid "aggressive" osteoblastoma (EOB) is a rare and more aggressive subtype of osteoblastoma (OB) with a higher recurrence rate, greater risk of malignant transformation, larger size, and greater intraoperative blood loss. The present case report illustrates that preoperative angioembolization of an EOB can be safely performed with low intraoperative blood loss. A 21-year-old male patient presented to our institution with a 4-month history of neck discomfort, radicular pain in the proximal right arm, and mild weakness of the right biceps and triceps muscles. Imaging was suggestive of EOB, and computed tomography-guided biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent same-day preoperative angioembolization of the major feeding vessels and subsequent complete tumor resection. During the procedure, he experienced minimal blood loss and did not require blood transfusion. EOB is a highly vascular primary bony lesion. To minimize intraoperative blood loss, preoperative angioembolization should be considered in the treatment of cervical spine EOB.