[Spinal epidural hemangiolipoma - a case report (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Spinal epidural hemangiolipomas are rare tumors presenting with neurological deficits.
• Diagnosis often relies on imaging modalities like myelography and CT scans.

Observation:

• A 42-year-old male presented with progressive hypesthesia and gait disturbance.
• Imaging revealed a space-occupying mass at the Th.5 level.
• Surgical exploration identified an extradural tumor adherent to the dura.

Findings:

• Histological examination confirmed the tumor as a spinal hemangiolipoma, composed of fatty tissue and vascular spaces.
• Review of 17 reported cases indicates a predilection for middle-aged patients and the mid-thoracic region.
• Two types, non-infiltrating and infiltrating, necessitate different surgical approaches.

Implications:

• Early and accurate diagnosis of spinal hemangiolipoma is crucial for effective management.
• Wide excision is recommended for infiltrating types to achieve complete tumor removal.
• Understanding tumor characteristics aids in surgical planning and predicting patient outcomes.