Multilevel thoracic spinal epidural angiolipoma

Abstract

Background: Spinal epidural angiolipomas (SEAL) are rare benign tumors composed of mature adipose tissue and abnormal blood vessels. SEALs account for 0.04–1.2% of all spinal tumors and 2–3% of spinal extradural lesions. They are usually found in the mid-thoracic dorsal extradural region. Here, we present the case of a 52-year-old female with a rare SEAL involving multiple thoracic levels. Case Description: A 52-year-old female presented with mid-thoracic pain and paraparesis (motor strength 3/5 proximal/distal). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) documented a well-demarcated, homogeneous dorsal epidural mass extending from T7 to T10. She underwent a laminectomy for tumor resection and decompression. The tumor, measuring 6 × 2 × 0.5 cm, consisted of mature adipose tissue and abnormal blood vessels. Postoperatively, the patient’s motor deficit fully resolved within 6 months. Conclusion: SEAL is a rare extradural dorsal thoracic spine tumor that can be readily diagnosed with MRI. The gold standard of treatment is gross total resection through a laminectomy.