Spinal angiolipoma: case report and literature review

J Spinal Cord Med. 2008;31(3):315-8. doi: 10.1080/10790268.2008.11760731.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / pathology
  • Adipose Tissue / ultrastructure
  • Angiolipoma / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spinal Neoplasms / pathology*