Uncommon Extradural Spinal Fibrolipoma in a Child: A Case Report

Cureus, 2025 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.77525 · Published: January 16, 2025

Simple Explanation

This case report describes an unusual pediatric extradural inflammatory fibrolipoma; its clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and post-treatment features; and the challenges encountered. A 10-year-old girl presented with progressive functional impairment of the lower limbs due to a spinal mass. After surgical removal of the tumor and physiotherapy, the patient showed significant neurological improvement.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

A 10-year-old girl

Evidence Level

Case Report

Key Findings

1
The patient had an extensive extradural, intracanal mass from T1 to T10 causing spinal cord compression.
2
Histopathological analysis confirmed an inflammatory fibrolipomatous tumor.
3
Postoperatively, the patient showed significant neurological improvement after three months of physiotherapy, with the ASIA motor score reaching 40/50.

Research Summary

This case highlights the vast diversity of pediatric spinal tumors and their potential for favorable postoperative outcomes. It also provides evidence for the existence of benign, fibrolipomatous inflammatory tumors in children that are non-tuberculous and non-specific in origin. These tumors are notable for their ability to span multiple vertebrae and their generally benign nature.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Awareness

Clinicians should consider rare spinal lesions like fibrolipomas in children presenting with progressive neurological deficits.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Effective management of pediatric spinal tumors requires collaboration between radiologists, neurosurgeons, pathologists, and physiotherapists.

Surgical Excision and Rehabilitation

Early and complete surgical excision followed by physiotherapy can lead to favorable neurological outcomes in cases of fibrolipomatous tumors.

Uncommon Extradural Spinal Fibrolipoma in a Child: A Case Report

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Awareness

Multidisciplinary Approach

Surgical Excision and Rehabilitation

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Uncommon Extradural Spinal Fibrolipoma in a Child: A Case Report

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Awareness

Multidisciplinary Approach

Surgical Excision and Rehabilitation

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?