A case report and review of thoracic spinal angiolipoma

BACKGROUND: While it is a rare entity, spinal angiolipomas are well-defined benign tumors that have been described sporadically in the literature starting from the late 1800s. Composed of mature lipomatous and angiomatous elements, these tumors manifest neurological symptoms due to progressive spinal cord or root compression. We present a case of a thoracic spinal angiolipoma and review the relevant literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 68-year-old male with ongoing bilateral lower extremity weakness was found on enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to have an extradural mass in the thoracic spine causing cord compression. A T4–T8 laminectomy and complete excision of the epidural mass resulted in reversal of the patient's neurological symptoms. Histopathology identified the mass as a thoracic spinal angiolipoma. CONCLUSION: Given its uncommon occurrence and excellent prognosis, our report serves as a reminder to always consider spinal angiolipoma in the differential diagnosis of epidural masses.