Editor-in-Chief: Alaa Abd-Elsayed, MD, PhD
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BACKGROUND: Intradural extramedullary lipomas are rare spinal cord tumors that remain asymptomatic until compression of the spinal cord results in neurological symptoms. Anterior chest wall pain as the initial presentation is uncommon and can contribute to the delayed diagnosis, as it prompts clinicians to rule out other pathologies.
CASE REPORT: The patient is a 44-year-old woman who presented with chronic anterior chest wall pain, instability, imbalance, and upper motor neuron signs. Imaging was obtained, and magnetic resonance revealed an intradural extramedullary mass composed of adipose tissue from T2 to T5, indicative of a spinal lipoma. Subsequently, the patient underwent complete excision and laminoplasty successfully, immediately improving all symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosing intradural extramedullary lipomas is intricate and often incidental, with varied presentations depending on tumor localization and size. While uncommon, it is crucial to maintain a heightened level of suspicion when evaluating persistent, unexplained pain resistant to conservative treatments and accompanied by neurological symptoms.
KEY WORDS: Chest wall pain, spinal cord lipomas, case report
