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Midline central nervous lipomas in children.
R I Macpherson1, R C Holgate, S K Gudeman
1Department of Radiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
Summary
Central nervous system lipomas, often midline developmental abnormalities, can occur in the brain or spinal cord. Computed tomography effectively visualizes these lesions before treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Radiology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) lipomas are rare congenital tumors.
- These lipomas can manifest as intracranial or intraspinal lesions.
- They are often associated with other dysraphic malformations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical, radiologic, surgical, and pathologic features of CNS lipomas in children.
- To explore the relationship between intracranial and intraspinal lipomas.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of computed tomography (CT).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 15 pediatric cases with CNS lipomas.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, imaging findings, surgical outcomes, and pathology.
- Correlation of features between intracranial (corpus callosum) and intraspinal (conus medullaris) lipomas.
Main Results:
- 15 children with CNS lipomas were analyzed.
- Three lipomas were intracranial (corpus callosum), and 12 were intraspinal (conus medullaris).
- Both intracranial and intraspinal lipomas share features of midline developmental abnormalities and may have extrinsic/intrinsic components.
Conclusions:
- Intracranial and intraspinal lipomas appear to be related developmental abnormalities.
- These lesions can be asymptomatic or part of extensive dysraphic malformations.
- Computed tomography is the optimal imaging modality for lesion characterization prior to intervention.