Cervicothoracic intradural spinal lipoma without dyraphism diagnosed postpartum

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Intradural spinal lipomas are rare, accounting for about 1% of spinal tumors.
• These tumors typically occur without evidence of spinal dysraphism.

Observation:

• An 18-year-old female experienced progressive lower extremity weakness, paresthesias, spasticity, and hyperreflexia after a cesarean section.
• Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cervicothoracic intradural spinal lipoma.

Findings:

• The patient underwent subtotal resection of the intradural lipoma via osteoplastic laminotomy.
• The procedure resulted in an excellent prognosis for the patient.

Implications:

• This case underscores the necessity of broad differential diagnoses for postpartum neurological symptoms.
• Early diagnosis and intervention in rare spinal tumors can lead to favorable outcomes.