Extradural spinal angiolipoma

Two cases of extradural spinal angiolipomas are reported. The literature is reviewed and the entity of extradural spinal angiolipoma proposed. A tumor of adulthood, unassociated with bony changes, it occurs mainly in the mid-dorsal spine. Paraparesis progresses over a period of 1-2 years and may wax and wane with pregnancy or body weight changes. Characteristically, the tumor lies over the dorsal aspect of the dura, from which it may be peeled off easily. Its port-wine color contrasts strikingly with the contiguous epidural fat. A benign condition, it responds favorably to surgical excision.