Put your thinking cap on : an illustrative review of the imaging features of central nervous system lipomas

Abstract

Learning objectives:

1. To illustrate the multi-modality imaging characteristics of lipomas in the brain and spine

2. To describe the associated congenital anomalies associated with CNS lipomas, most commonly agenesis of the corpus callosum.

3. To highlight the significance of CNS lipomas and their clinical sequelae.

Background: Intracranial lipomas are considered congenital malformations and in fact are often associated with specific brain malformations. They are often incidental findings and are very rarely associated with symptomatology. Lipomas in the spinal cord, on the other hand, are more likely to be symptomatic and may present with symptoms such as sensory disturbances, paraplegia and incontinence. Their characteristic imaging findings allows the diagnosis to be made radiologically with no need for a histological diagnosis.