Magnetic resonance imaging-based diagnosis of spinal extradural angiolipoma / 中华神经医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of spinal epidural angiolipoma to improve the diagnostic accuracy of this tumor. Methods The MRI findings in 2 patients with histopathologically confirmed spinal extradural angiolipoma were analyzed retrospectively. Results In both of the cases, the tumors were located in the extradural space of the thoracic intraspinal canal. The spindle-shaped tumor mass extended parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spine. The lesions presented with fat and vascular signal features. One of the tumors grew through the intervertebral foramen with a dumbbell appearance, invading the adjacent diaphragma, vertebral body, pedicle of the vertebral arch and the spinous process. The other tumor consisted of some tortuous and dilated blood vessels with flow void signals. Conclusion Spinal epidural angiolipoma presents characteristic features on MRI, which is considered the best diagnostic modality for this tumor.