Magnetic resonance imaging of intradural spinal lipoma

Intradural lipomas are rare tumors of the spinal canal. We report the occurrence of this neoplasm in a 19-year-old girl. Magnetic resonance accurately depicted both the exact location within the spinal canal and the precise tumor histology and was more informative than myelography. This case illustrates the value of magnetic resonance imaging in patients presenting with myelopathy. In many instances, this modality may be all that is needed in preoperative planning.