Spinal myelolipoma - an extremely rare pathology within the lumbar spine: a case report and literature review

Myelolipoma is a benign tumor containing mature adipose cells and a combination of myeloid and erythroid elements. This tumor is typically found in the adrenal glands; however, it has been detected outside the adrenal glands in rare cases. We report an extremely rare case of myelolipoma in the lumbar spine causing significant neural compression due to the involvement of the posterior spinal elements. Given the significant neurological deficit, the patient was surgically managed as soon as possible. Extra-adrenal myelolipomas are rare lesions, and only one case has been reported in the spine so far. However, this diagnosis should be considered in cases with its characteristic imaging features.