Large vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm masquerading as a schwannoma: illustrative case

Abstract

BACKGROUND Extracranial vertebral aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms are rare and result primarily from trauma. Large pseudoaneurysms can masquerade as mass lesions, making it challenging to identify the correct diagnosis. OBSERVATIONS This is a case report in which a large vertebral pseudoaneurysm posed as a schwannoma and biopsy was attempted. It was later identified as a vascular lesion and treated appropriately with no complications. LESSONS Vascular etiologies should always be included in the differential diagnosis of spine and nerve pathologies especially lesions that are in the vicinity of major vascular channels such as the transverse foramina of the cervical spine.

Multiple Myeloma Treatment Challenges: A Case Report of Vertebral Artery Pseudoaneurysm Complicating Occipitocervical Arthrodesis and a Review of the Literature

“…Complications have been reported to range between 12-30%, including lesions of the vertebral artery, for which an analysis of preoperative imaging studies should be performed, taking into account anatomical variants of the artery, dominant vertebral artery, and/or hypoplastic, tortuous, pronounced loops, etc. [22,[43][44][45][46]. Winegar et al [47] have done a literature search including 34 studies and 799 adult patients.…”