hemangioma of vertebrae

cavernous type commonly found
10% in autopsy series with the vast majority being small, asymptomatic and unable to be seen on plain films
most often in lumbar region and singular
complications: compression fractures (occ. with cord compression), chronic hemorrhage -> blockage of spinal canal

x-ray:

slight loss of density of vertebral body
vertically striped orientation of bone trabeculae ("corduroy cloth") which may extend into the pedicle
occ. with posterior bulging
cortical margins usually intact