A Case of Large Cervical Intradural Lipoma with Externsion into the Posterior Fossa

Intraspinal lipomas are rare, benign neoplasms, comprising less than 1% of all intradural spinal tumors. Such tumors occur in the thoracic and cervical region, however, extension into the posterior fossa is most unusual. A case of large cervical intradural spinal liplma with extension into the posterior fossa in adult female is presented. Clinical feature was slowly progressing quadriparesis. Brain and cervical spine computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis and Magnetic resonance imaging was very useful for delineation of the anatomy of the lipoma as an aid in planning the operation. Operative therapy consisted of combined suboccipital craniectomy, spinal laminotomy and laminoplasty, subtotal tumor decompression.

Dorsal Root Entry Zone Lesion for Intractable Pain

Intractable pain was controlled in 5 cases using dorsal root entry zone lesions. All patients had failed to conservative therapy. Dorsal root entry zone lesions were made to include the involved dermatomes added one half of the dermatomes above and below the painful areas. Four patient noticed good pain relief with follow up period ranging from 6 to 24 months. Patient whose lesions were performed using a CO2 laser mas suffered no complicated deficit. Dorsal root entry zone lesions appeared to be a satisfactory treatment for intractable pain in patients, who have failed to respond to more conservative mode of therapy.