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Congenital Spinal Lipomatous Malformations. Part 1. Spinal Lipomas, Lipomyeloceles, and Lipomyelomeningoceles

Roy H Rhodes1,2

  • 1LSUHSC, Pathology, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

Fetal and Pediatric Pathology
|July 26, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Congenital spinal lipomatous malformations, including lipomas and lipomyeloceles, require precise terminology and clinicopathologic correlation for accurate diagnosis and management. Understanding their embryology and histopathology is key for effective patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Lumbosacral spinal lipomas and lipomyeloceles are congenital malformations typically diagnosed in early childhood.
  • Confusion often arises regarding the terminology, histopathology, and diagnostic criteria for these conditions.
  • Closed spinal malformations encompass a spectrum of related conditions requiring clear differentiation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify terminology, histopathology, and diagnostic approaches for congenital spinal lipomatous malformations.
  • To compare embryological origins, gross pathology, and histopathological findings.
  • To establish reporting requisites for these and related closed spinal malformations.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive PubMed literature review was conducted.
  • Embryology, gross pathology, and histopathology of spinal lipomas and lipomyeloceles were compared.
  • Diagnostic criteria and reporting standards were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Congenital spinal lipomatous malformations include various types, from subcutaneous to intradural, affecting the lower spinal region.
  • Lipomyelocele development relates to the embryonic tail's caudal eminence.
  • Histopathology reveals a heterogeneous spectrum of findings from skin to spinal cord, necessitating correlation with imaging and intraoperative findings.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis relies on precise terminology and integrated clinicopathologic correlation between pathologists and clinicians.
  • Specific diagnoses dictate prognostic differences and management strategies.
  • Genetic and familial factors have minimal impact on the management of these closed spinal malformations.

Keywords:
Spinal lipomabirth defectshuman taillipomyelocelelipomyelomeningocelemedullary spinal cordmyelocystocelespina bifida

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