Spinal angiolipoma: Presentation of two cases and review of the literature for the years 2012-2017

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Angiolipomas of the spinal canal are a rare condition of unknown origin. They are considered histologically benign; however, some have the potential to infiltrate adjacent structures. The aim of this systematic review was to suggest a potential mechanism for the pathogenesis of spinal angiolipomas, along with a useful approach for their preoperative management.

Materials and methods: A literature review of cases of spinal angiolipoma was performed. In addition, two of the cases encountered in our practice are presented. The first case refers to a 35-year-old male patient with a history of spinal fusion because of a T9 fracture, while the second concerns a 46-year-old male patient with an epidural mass extending outside the spinal canal, who underwent fine needle biopsy and embolisation of its feeding vessel.

Results: From the review of the literature performed, we were unable to identify any correlation between the infiltrative potential and the patients' demographic and tumour characteristics.

Conclusions: Angiolipomas are considered to be sporadic, yet theories concerning their pathogenesis include reaction to harmful stimuli and congenital malformation of the adipose tissue. Fine needle biopsy may be mistakenly considered non-diagnostic, due to the presence of well-differentiated adipocytes.

Keywords: Angiolipoma espinal infiltrante; Artrodesis vertebral; Biopsia con aguja fina; Embolisation; Embolización; Fine needle biopsy; Infiltrative spinal angiolipoma; Spinal fusion.