Subpial lipoma of the spinal cord.

Abstract

Subpial lipomas of the spinal cord are rare tumors radiographically resembling intramedullary cord tumors. Four cases of subpial lipomas are presented to demonstrate radiographic features which may indicate the correct diagnosis preoperatively. Typical findings include (a) expansion of the transverse (interpediculate) and anteroposterior diameters of the involved portion of the spinal canal, and (b) myelographic appearance of an elongated, posteriorly situated, intramedullary lesion which, unlike the usual fusiform, symmetrical syrinx or tumor, presents as an exophytic growth on the cord surface, with paradoxical widening of the subarachnoid space immediately above and below the clearly outlined margins of the lipoma.