Epidural cavernous haemangioma during pregnancy: a case report and a literature review.

Cavernous haemangiomas are benign vascular malformations that can locate in the central nervous system. The epidural spinal location remains unusual. Pregnancy is known to be a precipitating factor. The aim of this study is to review general aspects of these lesions and specific facts about their relationship to pregnancy. A 32-year-old full-term pregnant woman is managed during early labor for a progressive spinal cord compression syndrome. After delivery, exploration by a lumbar MRI found an epidural vascular dorsal mass. Surgical exploration and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of epidural cavernous haemangioma. The patient achieved complete recovery after 1 month. Spinal cavernous haemangiomas are rare malformations. Specific mechanisms seems to be involved in their growth during pregnancy. Although clinical and radiological presentation are spectacular and misleading, the prognosis is generally good, and urgent surgical treatment during pregnancy is usually not indicated.