Subacute paraparesis induced by venous thrombosis of a spinal angiolipoma: a case report.

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: A case report of spinal extradural angiolipoma, a rare tumor that can cause spinal cord compression, is presented with a complete review of the literature related to this disorder. OBJECTIVES: To discuss venous thrombosis involving the angiolipoma in the development of subacute paraparesis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA This case shows that venous thrombosis of a spinal angiolipoma can precipitate the subacute onset of paraparesis. METHODS: Medical history, physical findings, and the results of imaging and histopathologic studies were analyzed to elucidate the pathogenesis of the patient's subacute onset of paraparesis. A bilateral T3-T7 laminectomy was performed, and although the tumor was extremely hemorrhagic, it was mobilized easily off the compressed dura to achieve resection. RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful. One month after her surgery, the patient's myelopathic symptoms had resolved, and the she was able to return to work. CONCLUSION: Because the prognosis after surgical management of these lesions is favorable, the diagnosis of thrombosis involving a spinal angiolipoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subacute spinal cord compression.