Neuroimaging Spectrum of Intracranial Lipomas

Intracranial lipomas are rare congenital malformations at characteristic sites. Though largely asymptomatic, some cause significant morbidity. We are studying this for the local population.  Objectives: The purpose of this article is to analyze the spectrum of intracranial lipomas, determine their distribution at characteristic locations, and assess their associations.  Method: A retrospective study of 21 patients diagnosed with intracranial lipomas detected on CT and MRI performed between September 2017 and May 2022 at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Center, Pune.

Amongst the 21 patients with intracranial lipomas, the most common location was the pericallosal region seen in 11 patients (n = 11, 52.3%), of which nine were curvilinear type (n = 9), more common than tubular nodular type (n = 2). Other locations (n = 10, 47.7%) were found to be; quadrigeminal cistern in six patients (28.5%), cranial diploic space in two patients (9.5%), one each in interhemispheric falx (4.8%), and cribriform plate (4.8%). Associated anomalies were observed in three patients, which were fronto-ethmoidal encephalocele (n = 1), partial agenesis of the corpus callosum (n = 2), extension with a frontal subcutaneous lipoma (n = 1), and bilateral intraventricular extension (n = 1). Presenting symptoms were headache and dizziness (38.1%), seizures (19%), swelling on the forehead (9.5%), and other non-specific clinical symptoms (33.3%).

Intracranial lipomas are rare congenital lesions that are usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. However, lipomas at interhemispheric locations can cause seizure disorders and some present with headaches and dizziness. Few have associations like communication with extracranial swellings and corpus callosum agenesis.