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Causes of Vertebral Hemangiomas

Vertebral hemangiomas are noncancerous lesions usually found on the thoracic region of the spine. These lesions are very common, mostly asymptomatic, and usually detected while testing for other diseases or conditions. The cause of vertebral hemangiomas is not known, but there are theories, factors and diseases where hemangiomas are likely to occur, according to WebMD.

  1. Angiogenesis and Hemangiomas

    • The leading theory on the cause of vertebral hemangiomas involves angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels and capillaries in the body. This procedure is controlled by several different growth factors; when one of those growth factors either over- or underproduces, problems can occur. According to WebMD, vertebral hemangiomas may develop due to an overproduction of growth factors, leading to an overproduction of capillaries in the bone.

    Pregnancy

    • Women can develop symptomatic hemangiomas during pregnancy. Enlargement of hemangiomas during pregnancy can be due to several factors: increased blood flow to an existing asymptomatic lesion, increased proliferation of endothelial cells due to changes in estrogen levels and vein obstruction due to intra-abdominal pressure.

    Gorham Disease

    • Gorham disease is a degenerative bone disease, often referred to as the "disappearing bone disease," that can affect the spine. The cause of Gorham disease is unclear, but 50 percent of all cases reported include a history of trauma. The disease is characterized by a large proliferation of endothelial cells within the bone that first presents as hemangiomas. As the disease progresses, the infected bone begins to fragment and/or deteriorate. There is no cure for Gorham disease, but the deterioration can stabilize with time, according to the Radiological Society of North America.

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