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Review
. 2008;31(3):315-8.
doi: 10.1080/10790268.2008.11760731.

Spinal angiolipoma: case report and literature review

Marcel Hungs  1 , Laura S Paré
Affiliations
Review

Spinal angiolipoma: case report and literature review

Marcel Hungs et al. J Spinal Cord Med. 2008.

Abstract

Background/objective: Spinal angiolipoma (SAL) is an uncommon clinico-pathological entity.

Design: Single case report.

Methods: Retrospective data analysis.

Findings: An obese woman with a 1-year history of progressive spastic paraparesis and acute deterioration underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine, the results of which suggested a tumor compressing the thoracic spinal cord. The histopathological examination of the completely resected tumor revealed an epidural angiolipoma.

Conclusions: This case report offers a reminder that SAL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of long-standing, slowly progressive paraparesis. It remains unclear whether an increased body mass index might be a contributing factor to the development of SAL.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Postcontrast T1-weighted sagittal magnetic resonance image with fat saturation technique shows an inhomogeneous enhancing mass compressing the spinal cord from T2 to T5.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Postcontrast T1-weighted axial magnetic resonance image demonstrates a displacement of the thecal sack by the mass, compressing the spinal cord anteriorly.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Histological examination of the SAL shows mature adipose tissue and prominent, mostly thin-walled vascular elements with varying number of fibrin thrombi in capillaries. (hematoxylin-eosin stain).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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