CT and MRI Manifestations of Lumbar Spinal Epidural Angiolipoma / 中国医学影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Purpose To investigate the imaging features of lumbar spinal epidural angiolipoma, and to improve the imaging diagnostic capability of the disease. Materials and Methods Four patients with lumbar spinal epidural angiolipoma confirmed by pathology were recruited in the study. CT and MRI images were reviewed and the imaging characteristics including the shape, size, location, density, and signal intensity were analyzed. Results The lesions located at the right front of the spinal canal in two cases, at the left front in one case, and the residual one case located directly behind the spinal canal. The longitudinal axis of the lesions paralleled to the longitudinal axis of the spine. The dura mater spinalis was compressed and inward shifted. All of the four cases showed homogeneous iso- or hypo-density on CT without calcification or necrosis in the lesions. The maximum diameter was 3 to 5 cm. The boundary was clear and smooth. Three lesions showed dumbbell-shaped and crossed foramen, but the adjacent bone were not absorbed or destructed. One lesion showed scallop-like. On MRI, four cases displayed slightly hypointense on T1WI and hyperintense on T2WI. On STIR images, the lesions showed hyperintense with patchy low signal intensity in it. The boundary of the lesions was clear. After administration of contrast media, two lesions presented remarkably homogeneous enhancement, one lesion showed dual tail sign, and one lesion displayed pen-tip-like at the both ends. Conclusion MRI plays an important role in locating the lesion and distinguishing internal tissue components of spinal angiolipoma, which is the gold standard for the diagnosis of the tumor. CT provides excellent supplement. The Combination of CT and MRI will improve the diagnostic accuracy of the spinal angiolipoma.