Thoracic Spinal Angiolipoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Spinal angiolipoma (SAL) is a rare benign tumor, accounting for 0.14% to 1.2% of all spinal tumors and approximately 3% of epidural spinal tumors. SAL is composed of mature adipocytes and abnormal blood vessels. Its gradual growth can cause spinal cord and root compression. No additional treatment is required after total surgical resection, and its prognosis is good. We report the c case of an 81-year-old man who had thigh pain and numbness in both feet, along with gait disturbance. High signal intensity was observed on T2- and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Contrast enhancement showed a highly contrasting epidural mass with spinal cord compression, spreading to the left neural foramen. The tumor was totally removed by laminectomy and facetectomy. After surgery, the patient’s symptoms gradually improved, and a pathological examination concluded that the tumor was an angiolipoma. SAL is an uncommon benign tumor, for which total surgical excision is the treatment of choice.