Objective: To explore the clinical features and microsurgical treatment of spinal intramedullary cavernomas (SICs).
Methods: A total of 21 patients with pathologically confirmed SIC undergoing microsurgical resection of cavernomas at Beijing Tiantan Hospital and Taian Central Hospital from June 2005 to December 2012 were reviewed retrospectively.
Results: The postoperative neurological status improved (n = 13) and remained unchanged (n = 6) and aggravated (n = 2).
Conclusion: The clinical features of SICs are related with their different pathological processes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is specific for the diagnosis of SICs. Appropriate strategies and refined microsurgical techniques are essential for improving the clinical efficacies of SICs.