THERAPEUTIC CRYOTHERAPY GUIDED BY MRI AND ULTRASOUND FOR HEMANGIOMAS IN ERECTOR MUSCLES OF THE BACK

The indications, technique and results of cryotherapy for potentially hazardous paraspinal haemangiomas that would otherwise have to be trea ted surgically are described. Two men with back pain which limited wor k activity were treated by cryotherapy as an alternative to surgical t herapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized for diagnosis an d planning. Intraprocedural ultrasound was also utilized for guidance and monitoring. Techniques that were adapted from prostate cryotherapy with special probes are described. MRI proved crucial and essential f or both diagnosis and planning. Laparoscopic ultrasound was also helpf ul. Both patients improved clinically and neither has required surgery with follow-up of over 1 year. No complications occurred. Image-guide d cryotherapy, with at least 1 year follow-up, has been valuable to al leviate symptoms, avoid surgery, and permit patients to resume work.