Nondysraphic cervical and thoracic intraspinal lipomas: a review.

BACKGROUND

Intraspinal lipomas are commonly seen in the lumbosacral area. A cervical and thoracic location is very rarely encountered. Management of these lesions is still controversial.

METHODS

We report a series of 8 such patients, who were surgically managed at our institute.

RESULTS

All the patients were adults (mean age-34 years). Subcutaneous lipomas were seen in two patients. None of the 8 patients were obese. Mean duration of symptoms was 484 days. The Nurick's grade at the time of presentation ranged from 3 to 5. All 8 patients underwent partial decompression. Only 1 patient required repeat surgery after 11 years. All the patients reported improvement or stabilization of symptoms at follow-up (mean 56.3 months). The Nurick's grading at the time of follow-up ranged from 1 to 4.

CONCLUSIONS

A cervical or thoracic location is extremely rare among intraspinal lipomas. Patients usually present with a long duration of symptoms. Complete excision is extremely difficult and likely to be detrimental. Partial decompression usually leads to good improvement.