Total en bloc resection of a giant cell tumour of the cervical spine involving the vertebral artery.
Koji Uotani, Ying Tan, Aki Yoshida et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A woman in her 20s presented with neck pain and was diagnosed with a giant cell tumour of the cervical spine that encased the left vertebral artery. She underwent denosumab therapy to reduce vascularity, followed by preoperative embolisation of the artery. Total en bloc resection was successfully performed, and although she experienced transient left upper extremity weakness postoperatively, her condition improved significantly. Follow-up imaging confirmed bony fusion and no recurrence.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
This case underscores the value of multidisciplinary approaches, including denosumab therapy and preoperative embolisation, in safely managing giant cell tumours of the cervical spine that involve critical neurovascular structures.
Why it matters
Effective management strategies for cervical spine giant cell tumours can enhance surgical outcomes and minimize recurrence risk, particularly in younger patients.