Isolated Hemangioblastoma of the Filum Terminale

ABSTRACT

The filum terminale is an exceptional location for isolated hemangioblastoma, and most commonly hemangioblastomas are present in patients with von Hippel-Lindau(VHL) syndrome. We describe here a case of hemangioblastoma of filum terminale not associated with VHL, presenting with the history of progressive back pain, particularly severe in recumbent posture, and recurrent bilateral sciatica. MRI and spinal angiography revealed a well-vasculized mass lesion in filum terminale. The tumor was resected surgically. Histological examination confirmed the hemangioblastoma diagnosis. We recommended that, although rare, hemangiblastoma of the filum terminale be included in the differential diagnosis of a patient with low back pain.