Intradural Lipoma

Lipomas are benign lesions composed of typical fatty tissue (i.e., fat cells). They are uncommon to occur in the spinal cord or the filum terminale, the fibrous tissue that connects to the bottom of the spinal cord. A spinal cord lipoma is a fatty tumor that develops within the properly positioned spinal cord and constitutes approximately 1% of all spinal tumors. It is classified as a developmental tumor because it is produced by an embryological development error in which normal fat tissue becomes adherent to embryonic spinal cord tissue. The exact pathogenesis of such lesions is unknown. Many theories seek to explain their etiology and origin. Intradural spinal lipomas are big, bulky, and completely intradural lesions. Intradural lipomas are rare (4% of all lipomas) and mostly seen in the thoracic area. They are, however, seen in all spinal regions, with the cervical region appearing to be the most prevalent in children. Clinical pictures differ from one patient to another. Some may be asymptomatic, and others may develop worsening neurological symptoms. Symptoms of intradural lipoma are produced by the mass’s growth and its compression of the spinal cord while it grows because of fatter deposition in the lipoma. The earlier to diagnose intradural lipomas, the better. There are Multiple imaging modalities could be used to visualize intradural lipomas. There is controversy about the best management of intradural lipoma, but the primary aim of surgery is decompression and debulking of the spinal cord to ease the clinical manifestations.