corpus callosum lipoma

A corpus callosum lipoma, also known as pericallosal lipoma, is a rare congenital brain malformation that affects the corpus callosum, which is the largest white matter structure in the brain and connects the two hemispheres.

Characteristics:

• A corpus callosum lipoma is a fatty tumor that can extend to the choroidal areas.
• It is found in approximately 1 in 0.04-0.4:10,000 autopsies.
• The pathogenesis of a pericallosal lipoma is considered to be the result of an abnormal resorption of the primitive meninges between the eighth and tenth week of development.

Symptoms:

• Most intracerebral lipomas, including corpus callosum lipomas, are asymptomatic and come into clinical attention through neuroradiological lesion investigations for other conditions.
• If symptoms are present, they can include epilepsy, hemiplegia, dementia, or headaches.

Types:

• There are two morphological types of pericallosal lipoma:
  • Tubulonodular
  • Curvilinear

Association with other anomalies:

• Corpus callosum abnormalities and/or other encephalic anomalies can be associated with curvilinear lipomas.
• Posterior lipomas are less frequently associated with corpus callosum anomalies and/or other encephalic anomalies.

Diagnosis:

• CT and MR imaging play an important role in making this diagnosis.

Surgical management:

• Surgical management is infrequent, and pharmacological control is favorable.

References:

[12] [13] [14] [15]

Corpus callosum lipomas are rare brain tumors that can cause various symptoms, depending on their location and size. Here are some possible signs and symptoms:

• Headaches: Headaches are a common symptom of corpus callosum lipomas, often occurring due to the tumor's pressure on surrounding brain tissue.
• Seizures: Seizures can occur in individuals with corpus callosum lipomas, particularly if the tumor is located near critical areas of the brain.
• Dementia: In some cases, corpus callosum lipomas can cause dementia or memory loss, especially if they are large or located in areas that affect cognitive function.
• Behavioral disorders: Behavioral changes, such as developmental delays or mental retardation, can be associated with corpus callosum lipomas.
• Craniofacial abnormalities: In rare cases, corpus callosum lipomas can be accompanied by craniofacial abnormalities, which may include issues with the shape and structure of the face and skull.

It's essential to note that many corpus callosum lipomas remain asymptomatic, and symptoms only appear when the tumor grows or presses on surrounding brain tissue. If you suspect you or a loved one has a corpus callosum lipoma, it's crucial to consult with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

• [1] Corpus callosal lipomas are also frequently associated with seizures (07). Other presenting symptoms of corpus callosum lipomas include headaches, behavioral disorders, developmental/mental retardation, memory loss, and craniofacial abnormalities (07).
• [4] by S Nasri · 2022 · Cited by 3 - Intracranial lipomas may present with symptoms such as headache, seizures, local mass effect or may be diagnosed incidentally during evaluation following trauma ...
• [10] associated with corpus callosum anomalies and/ or other encephalic anomalies [33,34] (Figure 2). Association with hypogenesis/agenesis of corpus callosum is frequent, being present in 90% of anterior lipomas and in 30% of posterior lipomas [35]. A pure (isolated) lesion of corpus callosum probably does not cause symptoms [28].
• [14] MRI features of dysgenesis of the corpus callosum with a pericallosal tubulonodular lipoma. Pericallosal lipomas are fat-containing lesions occurring in the interhemispheric fissure closely related to the corpus callosum, which is often abnormal.

Diagnostic Tests for Corpus Callosum Lipoma

Corpus callosum lipomas can be diagnosed using various imaging tests. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to diagnose this condition:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is considered the gold standard for diagnosing intracranial lipomas, including corpus callosum lipomas [2][3]. It provides detailed images of the brain and can accurately characterize these lesions.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans can also be used to diagnose corpus callosum lipomas, although MRI is preferred for its higher resolution and ability to provide more detailed information about the lesion [4][5].
• Carotid Angiography: This test may be used to evaluate the circulation and vascularity of the tumor and exhibit the enlarged anterior cerebral vessel or vessels [7].

It's worth noting that a midsagittal image is required for the diagnosis of a short corpus callosum, which is often associated with corpus callosum lipomas [6]. Additionally, MRI may be used to evaluate any associated anomalies, such as callosal agenesis or dysgenesis [5].

References:

[1] BOZORGI, H. (2022). Lipoma of the Corpus Callosum: Diagnosis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Medical journal, Armed Forces India.

[2] Elhend, S. B. (2019). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the mainstay of intracranial lipomas diagnosis.

[3] Dec 22, 2020. Both CT and MRI can be used for the diagnosis of intracranial lipoma. However, MRI is the gold standard of imaging to accurately characterize these lesions [6].

[4] Esmat, H. A. (2021). Both CT and MRI can be used for the diagnosis of intracranial lipomas. However, MRI is the gold standard of imaging to accurately characterize these lesions [6].

[5] Jacquemard, F. (Fetal MR imaging may help for the evaluation of the associated anomalies, especially of the frequent callosal anomaly, since he morphology and ...

[6] Atallah, A. (2018). It is important to note that diagnosis of a short corpus callosum requires a midsagittal image, which is not included in most guidelines for ...

[7] Gerber, S. S. (1982). Carotid angiography shows the circulation and vascularity of the tumor and exhibits the enlarged anterior cerebral vessel or vessels, and their pericallosal ...

Treatment Options for Corpus Callosum Lipoma

Corpus callosum lipomas are rare benign tumors that can be asymptomatic or cause various symptoms such as epilepsy, paresis, paralysis, dementia, or headaches. While surgical management is infrequent, anticonvulsant therapy is often the mainstay of treatment in symptomatic cases.

• Anticonvulsant Therapy: Anticonvulsant medication is commonly prescribed to manage seizures associated with corpus callosum lipomas [6][11]. This treatment modality has been found to be effective in controlling seizure activity and improving symptoms.
• Conservative Treatment: Conservative treatment, which includes anticonvulsant therapy, is usually recommended as the first line of treatment for corpus callosum lipomas [8][12]. Surgery may be suggested in some cases, but it is rarely indicated due to the rich vascularity and adhesion of the lesion to adjacent tissue.
• Symptomatic Treatment: Treatment is symptomatic, with antiepileptic drugs prescribed in case of epileptic seizures [11][12].

It's worth noting that corpus callosum lipomas are rare and often asymptomatic, so treatment may not be necessary in all cases. However, when symptoms do occur, anticonvulsant therapy can be an effective treatment option.

References:

[6] Management of corpus callosal lipoma is mainly symptomatic, anticonvulsant therapy being the mainstay. [8] Conservative treatment is usually recommended because these tumors are benign and rarely cause symptoms. Surgery may be suggested in some cases. [11] There is no specific treatment for pericallosal lipomas, antiepileptic medication can be considered in case of seizures. Surgery is rarely indicated due to the rich vascularity and adhesion of the lesion to the adjacent tissue. [12] Treatment is symptomatic: antiepileptic drugs in the event of epileptic seizures, and surgery is rarely indicated.

Differential Diagnosis of Corpus Callosum Lipoma

Corpus callosum lipomas are rare benign intracranial tumors that can be challenging to diagnose accurately. The differential diagnosis for corpus callosum lipomas includes several conditions that may present with similar imaging features.

• Dermoid cysts: These are congenital anomalies that contain a combination of tissues, including skin, muscle, and bone. They can appear as well-circumscribed masses on MRI scans [6].
• Teratomas: These are rare tumors that contain a mixture of tissue types, including hair, muscle, and bone. They can be difficult to distinguish from lipomas on imaging studies [7].
• Lipomatous transformation of neoplasm: This is a rare condition where a tumor undergoes fatty degeneration, making it appear similar to a lipoma on imaging scans [9].
• Ossified falx: This is a rare congenital anomaly where the falx cerebri (a fold of dura mater) becomes calcified. It can be mistaken for a lipoma on imaging studies [9].

Key Imaging Features

To accurately diagnose corpus callosum lipomas, it's essential to consider the following key imaging features:

• MRI is the modality of choice: MRI scans are more sensitive than CT scans in detecting the extent and characteristics of corpus callosum lipomas [5].
• Multimodality imaging approach: A combination of MRI, CT, and other imaging modalities may be necessary to accurately diagnose corpus callosum lipomas and rule out differential diagnoses [1].

References

[1] by Y Yang · 2021 · Cited by 2 — Our cases highlight key imaging features of various pathologic conditions of the corpus callosum by using a multimodality imaging approach. [5] by M Kassimi · 2021 · Cited by 2 — MRI is the modality of choice to characterize not only the extent of the lipoma but also the frequently associated agenesis/dysgenesis of the corpus callosum. [6] by SB Elhend · 2019 · Cited by 19 — Diagnosis accidentally occurs during diagnostic procedures in case of an encephalic disorder. MRI is the most useful modality for a differential diagnosis. [7] by MD Sebastián Serrano · 2020 — There are few differential diagnoses, including dermoid cysts and teratoma15. For the treatment of such anomalies, surgical procedures are not recommended ... [9] Aug 4, 2009 — The differential diagnosis includes dermoid (more heterogeneous signal), teratoma, lipomatous transformation of neoplasm,ossified falx and ...