Spinal Angiolipomas Research Articles

A Rare Case Report of Thoracic Epidural Angiolipoma During Pregnancy: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment

Introduction. Spinal angiolipomas are benign tumors composed of adipocytes and vascular elements. There is a limited number of cases involving pregnant patients in the literature. Mostly located in the thoracic region, these tumors are usually expected to be seen in the fifth decade. To the best of our knowledge, we present the youngest reported case of a pregnant patient with angiolipoma. Case Report. We present a case of a 24-year-old pregnant woman who was referred to our clinic with complaints of gait disturbance and numbness in her legs. Paraplegia, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, and hypoesthesia up to the umbilicus level were the first findings. Electromyographic tests, including F-waves, were normal. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a thoracic spinal extradural tumor compressing the spinal cord posteriorly. Total tumor resection and histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of angiolipoma. Postoperatively, the patient experienced rapid improvements in neurological deficits, with complete recovery in the following days. Conclusions. Spinal angiolipomas are very rare in pregnancy. At the time of initial admission, the symptoms and findings may mimic acute polyneuropathies and myelitis. Spinal MRI is essential to localize the lesion. Early angiolipoma removal may result in complete recovery and the procedure is safe and applicable even in the early postpartum period.

Epidural Angiolipoma and Andersson Lesion

Spinal angiolipomas (SALs) are very rare benign extradural neoplasms, representing 0.14%–1.2% of all spinal tumors. Andersson lesion is a localized vertebral or disco-vertebral lesion in ankylosing spondylitis. Co-occurrence of these lesions is very rare and has never been reported. We are reporting one such case of a 61-year-old man presented with features of dorsal compressive myelopathy. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), he was diagnosed to have a SAL at D6–D9 and Andersson lesion at D7–D8 and L1–L2. He was managed surgically with a long-segment fixation and decompression and gross total excision of the tumor. Diagnosis of a SAL was confirmed in a biopsy, and postoperatively, he showed good clinical improvement. In conclusion, given the rarity of co-occurrence of these pathologies, a strong clinical suspicion is required. MRI and CT scan help in diagnosis. Both these pathologies warrant surgical management. When diagnosed early and managed appropriately, they have a good prognosis.

Thoracic Spinal Angiolipomas: A Systematic Review.

Spinal angiolipomas (SAs) are rare, benign tumors, representing 0.0004 to 1.2% of angiolipomas, usually located at the extradural and posterior thoracic level, with multimetameric extension. A systematic literature review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The authors searched on PubMed and Scopus databases for published articles with the Mesh term "spinal angiolipoma" and pertinent associations. Language restriction to English papers was applied. The authors also reported three emblematic cases of patients who underwent surgical resection of spindle-shaped (type IA) and dumbbell-shaped (type II) SAs between 2014 and 2020. Of the 256 retrieved articles, 33 were included in the meta-analysis. These 33 studies, together with our 3 reported cases, included a total of 60 patients, 36 females (60%) and 24 males (40%), with a mean age of 53.12 ± 12.82 years (range: 12-77 years).T5 was the most represented level (22 patients). Usually, the localization of SA was extradural, with 53 patients suffering from spindle-shaped type IA SA (88.3%) and 7 patients from dumbbell-shaped type II SA (11.6%). Almost all patients underwent laminectomy (78.3%) and presented a full recovery of motor deficits (85%). Gross total removal (GTR) was performed in 93.3% of patients. The mean follow-up was of 22.71 ± 21.45 months (range: 2-80 months). There was no documented recurrence at follow-up magnetic resonance imaging in any of the patients. SAs are rare, benign tumors with a great vascular component that presents a favorable outcome. GTR is the gold standard treatment and usually an adjuvant therapy is not required. Even infiltrative lesions, which are more complex, can be treated successfully with a good prognosis. Dumbbell-shaped SAs must be differentiated from schwannomas and meningiomas, and require different surgical techniques, given the profuse bleeding associated with the attempt of debulking. En block resection is the key to treat these common benign tumors with acceptable blood loss.

Spinal Angiolipomas : Clinical Characteristics, Surgical Strategies and Prognosis.

ObjectiveAngiolipomas are usually found in the subcutaneous tissue of the trunk and limbs. Spinal angiolipomas (SALs) are uncommon and have rarely been reported. We report a series of nine SALs patients who received surgical treatment in our department. To summarize the clinical characteristics of SALs, propose our surgical strategies, and evaluate the effects of the operation. MethodsThis was a retrospective review of nine SALs patients who received surgical treatment from August 2015 to March 2020. Total or subtotal resection was determined by the axial localization (dorsal or ventral) and the extent of intervertebral foramen involvement. The outcomes were assessed based on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system utilized before surgery and at various follow-up points. ResultsAmong the nine patients, the mean mJOA score before surgery was 6.6±2.3, compared with 10.1±1.1 at the last follow-up time point (33.4±11.8 months). All patients achieved good outcomes, even in cases of subtotal resection. ConclusionEarly surgical resection of SALs is recommended, and the specific procedures should be determined by the axial localization (dorsal or ventral) and the extent of intervertebral foramen involvement. Most of the patients had a good prognosis, even in cases of subtotal resection.

Clinical features and surgical outcomes of spinal epidural angiolipomas.

To discuss the clinical features and surgical outcomes of spinal epidural angiolipomas. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with spinal epidural angiolipomas who were performed microsurgery between January 2003 and December 2017. The diagnosis of spinal angiolipomas was based on pathological criteria. Modified McCormick classification was applied to evaluate neurological function. There were 11 females and 9 males with ages ranged from 38 to 74years. Fourteen lesions were located in the thoracic region, 4 in the lumbar, 1 in the lumbosacral, and 1 in the thoracolumbar region. Patients presented with nonspecific symptoms and the duration of symptoms ranged from 1 to 168months with a mean 21.3months. 11 cases exhibited isointense on T1-weighted imaging(T1WI) and hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging(T2WI). The other 9 cases exhibited hyperintense on T1WI and T2WI imaging. Gross total resection (GTR) was performed in 19 patients, and subtotal resection (STR) was performed in 1 patient. Postoperatively, all patients showed a recovery or improvement of neurological functions except the STR patient. There was no recurrence or regrowth of the residual lesions observed on magnetic resonance images (MRI). Usually, spinal epidural angiolipomas have two types of MRI manifestations depending on the ratio of fat to vessels. Total resection of spinal epidural angiolipoma is possible regardless of it is infiltrative or not. Postoperative radiotherapy is not recommended for subtotal resection patients. A favorable functional outcome can be expected if the patient performed early surgery.

Microsurgical treatment for spinal epidural angiolipomas.

Spinal epidural angiolipomas are rare lesions composed of mature lipomatous and angiomatous elements. In this paper, the authors review a surgical series of ten patients with epidural angiolipomas. All patients had performed preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The diagnosis of angiolipoma was based on pathology. All the follow-up data were obtained during office visits. There were 5 males and 5 females with a mean age of 53.6years. One tumor was located in the cervicothoracic, six in the thoracic, and three in the lumbar spine. The most common symptom was progressive motor deficit. Gross total resection of the tumor was achieved in nine cases, and subtotal resection was obtained in one case. No recurrence or regrowth of the residual tumor was observed during a follow-up period of 50.8months. At the last follow-up, 90% of patients experienced improvement in the neurological function. Epidural angiolipomas are benign but clinically progressive lesions. Early surgery should be performed to prevent irreversible neurological deficits. Postoperative radiotherapy is not recommended. The risk of long-term recurrence/regrowth of the lesions is low, and a good clinical outcome after total or subtotal removal can be expected.

Spinal angiolipoma: Presentation of two cases and review of the literature for the years 2012–2017

Angiolipomas of the spinal canal are a rare condition of unknown origin. They are considered histologically benign; however, some have the potential to infiltrate adjacent structures. The aim of this systematic review was to suggest a potential mechanism for the pathogenesis of spinal angiolipomas, along with a useful approach for their preoperative management. A literature review of cases of spinal angiolipoma was performed. In addition, two of the cases encountered in our practice are presented. The first case refers to a 35-year-old male patient with a history of spinal fusion because of a T9 fracture, while the second concerns a 46-year-old male patient with an epidural mass extending outside the spinal canal, who underwent fine needle biopsy and embolisation of its feeding vessel. From the review of the literature performed, we were unable to identify any correlation between the infiltrative potential and the patients' demographic and tumour characteristics. Angiolipomas are considered to be sporadic, yet theories concerning their pathogenesis include reaction to harmful stimuli and congenital malformation of the adipose tissue. Fine needle biopsy may be mistakenly considered non-diagnostic, due to the presence of well-differentiated adipocytes.

Spinal extradural angiolipomas: 7 new cases and review of the literature

IntroductionWe present our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of spinal angiolipomas (SAL). MethodsWe used our database of surgical patients to gather epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up data from confirmed cases of SAL. Patients’ functional status was evaluated using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score for thoracic myelopathy. ResultsWe included 7 patients with ages ranging between 42 and 63 years; 4 were women. Lesions in all patients were located in the thoracic epidural space; in 2 cases, lesions extended outside the spinal canal. The most frequent form of presentation was pain combined with progressive myelopathy; patients scored 5 to 9 points on the mJOA scale. Radiological findings varied; this variability clearly depended on the proportion of tumour components (cellular variant in one case, predominantly angiomatous in another, and myxoid in yet another case). Four cases displayed radiological signs of bone involvement. Surgery resulted in excellent mJOA scores except in one case (mJOA score of 10); no recurrences were detected during follow-up (periods ranging from 1 to 5 years). ConclusionsExtradural SAL can present with highly variable radiological and clinical features. Surgery must be tailored to each individual situation according to tumour extension; in some cases, it may include spinal reconstruction. Surgery results in excellent outcomes regardless of preoperative functional status and it is associated with low recurrence rates, even in case of incomplete resection.

Angiolipoma on the Lumbar Spine.

Angiolipomas are composed of mature adipose tissue and blood vessels. Spinal angiolipomas are rare benign tumors with a good prognosis, and most symptoms are due to progressive compression of the spinal cord and root. The treatment of choice is total resection without any additional therapy. We report a case of an epidural angiolipoma on the lumbar spine in a 69-year-old man with weakness of the lower extremities. Lumbar magnetic resonance images revealed a well-enhanced epidural mass. He underwent laminectomy, and the tumor was completely removed. Pathologic examination confirmed the tumor was an angiolipoma. The patient’s symptoms gradually improved postoperatively.

Angiolipomas espinales epidurales: presentación de 7 casos y revisión de la literatura

IntroductionWe present our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of spinal angiolipomas (SAL). MethodsWe used our database of surgical patients to gather epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up data from confirmed cases of SAL. Patients’ functional status was evaluated using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score for thoracic myelopathy. ResultsWe included 7 patients with ages ranging between 42 and 63 years; 4 were women. Lesions in all patients were located in the thoracic epidural space; in 2 cases, lesions extended outside the spinal canal. The most frequent form of presentation was pain combined with progressive myelopathy; patients scored 5 to 9 points on the mJOA scale. Radiological findings varied; this variability clearly depended on the proportion of tumour components (cellular variant in one case, predominantly angiomatous in another, and myxoid in yet another case). Four cases displayed radiological signs of bone involvement. Surgery resulted in excellent mJOA scores except in one case (mJOA score of 10); no recurrences were detected during follow-up (periods ranging from 1 to 5 years). ConclusionsExtradural SAL can present with highly variable radiological and clinical features. Surgery must be tailored to each individual situation according to tumour extension; in some cases, it may include spinal reconstruction. Surgery results in excellent outcomes regardless of preoperative functional status and it is associated with low recurrence rates, even in case of incomplete resection.

Spinal angiolipomas: A puzzling case and review of a rare entity

Patients with spinal epidural abscesses (SEAs) may have a variable presentation. Such an infection has a typical appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and enhances with gadolinium. We present a case that was a diagnostic challenge where pre- and intra-operative findings resulted in conflicting impressions. The mimicker was a spinal angiolipoma (SAL). The authors then provide a thorough review of this rare spinal neoplasm. A 55-year-old man presented with back pain, paresis, paresthesia, and urinary retention. MRI was indicative of a longitudinal epidural thoracic mass with a signal homogeneous to nearby fat, curvilinear vessels, and lack of enhancement. Although at emergent surgery, the lesion was found to contain abundant purulent material. Microbiology was positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and consistent with SEA without evidence of neoplasia. While the imaging features were suggestive of an angiolipoma, the findings at surgery made SEA more likely, which were validated histopathologically. The diagnosis of SEA is often clear-cut, and the literature has reported only a few instances in which it masqueraded as another process such as lymphoma or myelitis. The case highlights SEA masquerading as an angiolipoma, and further demonstrates to clinicians that obtaining tissue diagnosis plays a crucial role diagnostically and therapeutically. SALs, on the other hand, are slow-growing tumors that can be infiltrating or noninfiltrating. They typically present with chronic symptoms and T1-MRI shows an inhomogeneous picture. Complete surgical excision is standard of care and patients tend to do well afterward.

The subdural extramedullary angiolipoma: A rare case report and review of literature

Spinal angiolipomas are benign uncommon tumors with the well-differentiated fatty tissue and copious abnormal vascular elements. The epidural angiolipoma accounts for more than 90% of all reported cases. We present a rare case of intradural extramedullary angiolipoma studied by CT and MRI imaging and reviewed the relevant literature. The bilateral L4-S1 laminectomy was performed. No serious complication occurred postoperatively and lambosacra MR imaging revealed no recurrence 1 year after surgery.

Spinal extradural angiolipoma manifested after normal vaginal delivery

BackgroundExtradural spinal angiolipomas are extremely rare benign neoplasms made up of mature lipocytes with abnormal blood vessels. Spinal angiolipomas represent only 0.14–1.2 % of all spinal axis tumours.Case presentationA case of thoracic spinal extradural angiolipoma producing acute spinal cord compression in a 35-year old housewife is presented. Patient presented with sudden onset of lower limbs paralysis and urinary incontinence for 1 month after vaginal delivery. Patient was diagnosed as dorsal spine angiolipoma which was treated surgically with excellent outcome.ConclusionsSpinal angiolipomas are rare tumours but it is mandatory to include it in the differential diagnosis of the spinal extradural space occupying lesions. Pregnancy and vaginal delivery may suddenly exacerbate the condition. The best investigation to choose to diagnose these lesions is definitely magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. The aim of treatment of extradural angiolipomas of the spine is to resect the tumour in Toto surgically with no need of adjuvant therapy, surgery alone can lead to excellent outcome.

Four cases of spinal epidural angiolipoma

Spinal angiolipomas are uncommon benign tumours composed of mature fatty tissue and abnormal vascular elements, most commonly found within the posterior spinal epidural space. Most tumours are located within the mid-thoracic spine; in contrast thoracolumbar junction and purely lumbar angiolipomas are rare. We report a case series of four spinal angiolipomas, including a thoracolumbar junction and a purely lumbar tumour.

Infiltrating Epidural Angiolipoma Involving Lumbar Spine

We report on an unusual case with infiltrating extradural spinal angiolipoma. Most spinal angiolipomas involve the thoracic spine and infiltrating ones are also located mainly at the thoracic levels rather than lumbar lesion. In particular, there are few cases of lumbar extradural infiltrating type spinal angiolipoma. One case is that of a 52-year-old female with infiltrating extradural spinal angiolipoma involving lumbar 4 (L4) vertebra, who underwent a L4−5 laminectomy and surgical removal of the tumor. We achieved satisfactory results with surgical treatment of the patient. Spinal angiolipoma has a benign course with a good postoperative outcome.

Thoracic epidural spinal angiolipoma with coexisting lumbar spinal stenosis: Case report and review of the literature.

Spinal angiolipomas (SALs) are uncommon benign lesions that may present insidiously with back pain or acutely with weakness due to tumor bleeding/thrombosis. Given their rarity, these lesions are often overlooked in the differential diagnosis of epidural masses. The purpose of this article is to report the case of an epidural SAL and to conduct a literature review on the topic. A case report and review of the literature using the PubMed/Medline databases. All case reports and case series were reviewed up to June 2015. A 65-year old female presented with neurogenic claudication and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed lumbar spinal stenosis. Following decompressive surgery, she experienced symptom resolution, but three months postoperatively she presented to the emergency department with acute paraparesis. A thoracic MRI revealed a lesion located between T8 and T10 causing severe spinal cord compression. Following emergent laminectomy and en bloc resection, the patient regained function and the lesion was diagnosed as SAL. Our literature review revealed 178 reported cases, with a female and thoracic predominance. The majority of patients underwent surgical treatment, achieving a gross total resection in most cases. Similarly, complete symptom resolution was the most common outcome. Spinal angiolipomas are uncommon spinal tumors. However, they may be treated as any other space-occupying lesion, and surgical resection allows for complete symptom recovery in most patients.

Concomitant Spinal Intradural Meningioma and Extradural Angiolipoma

Concomitant Spinal Intradural Meningioma and Extradural Angiolipoma Spinal meningiomas are frequent tumors and they may be associated with other tumors involving central nervous system or other systems, especially in the patients with some syndromes such as neurofibromatosis or multiple endocrine neoplasia. However, spinal angiolipomas are quite rare benign tumors, and they are generally solitary lesions. There is only one case whose spinal angiolipoma associates to another tumor, a spinal osteochondroma at same level, in the literature.

Spinal angiolipoma: etiology, imaging findings, classification, treatment, and prognosis

To summarise our experience treating patients with spinal angiolipomas (SAs) and to evaluate factors relating to its prognosis. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients diagnosed with SAs who received surgical treatment from January 2001 to February 2013. Twenty-one patients were described. We divide SAs into two types: "intraspinal" and "dumbbell-shaped". The former were further subclassified as "with lipomatosis" and "without lipomatosis". Overweight people are more likely to get the "with lipomatosis" type which needs different surgical strategy and/or a diet therapy to get better outcomes. Diagnosis of SAs should be made with reference to clinical, radiological, and pathological findings. Application of different methods is needed to treat SAs.

Spinal epidural angiolipoma: A rare cause of spinal cord compression

Spinal epidural angiolipomas are rare, benign tumors composed of mature lipocytes admixed with abnormal blood vessels. Only 128 cases of spinal epidural angiolipomas have been reported in literature till now. Spinal angiolipomas are predominantly located in the mid-thoracic region. We report a case of dorsal epidural angiolipoma in a 56-year-old male who presented with paraparesis and was diagnosed to have D4-5 epidural angiolipoma. Total surgical excision of the epidural angiolipoma was done and his paraparesis gradually improved.

Infiltrating Spinal Angiolipoma

Spinal angiolipomas are rare lesions usually found in the epidural space of the thoracic spine. The infiltrating type of spinal angiolipomas is extremely rare. This report presents the case and reviews the related literature. A 58-year-old man was presented with a 7-month history of progressive weakness and sensory change of lower extremities. Magnetic resonance images showed a well-enhanced mass infiltrating the vertebral foramen at the T4-5 level. Resection of the tumor was performed. Histological study revealed the tumor as an angiolipoma. The patient was relieved from symptoms after tumor resection.