Thoracic spinal angiomyolipoma with extracanal extension to the thoracic cavity. A case report.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a 72-year-old man with thoracic spinal angiomyolipoma in the ventral aspect of the epidural space and extracanal extension to the posterior mediastinum, to discuss the clinical and radiologic features and unique biologic behavior of this entity, and to review of the literature on angiolipoma and angiomyolipoma.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Spinal angiolipoma and angiomyolipoma are rare tumors, which are localized almost exclusively in the dorsal epidural space of the thoracic spine. Most reported cases have no tendency to involve the surrounding tissue.

METHODS

The authors describe the radiologic, surgical, and pathologic findings of this patient and review the findings from other reported cases.

RESULTS

Anterior decompression was performed using a right transthoracic incision, and the neurologic symptoms improved immediately. There were no signs of recurrence of the tumor or neurologic deficit within a 2-year follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Results of a literature survey of these tumors support management by prompt and radical surgical intervention for long-term cure, even in cases in which the infiltrating nature is recognized.