Spinal extradural angiolipoma, with a literature review

Abstract

Introduction. Angiolipoma is a benign tumour composed of mature adipocytes admixed with abnormal vascular elements. It reportedly accounts for 0.1–0.5% of all spinal axis tumours in adults and is extremely rare in children.

Case report. This article describes a case of thoracic spinal angiolipoma in a 4-year-old boy, who presented with back pain and weakness. The tumour was excised, and the child made a remarkable recovery.

Discussion. Only five previous cases of extradural angiolipoma have been reported in children. The authors review the existing literature on the aetiology, pathogenesis, and clinical pathology, and the surgical management is discussed.