Spinal epidural lipomatosis as a complication of prolonged corticosteroid therapy.
We present the case of a 42-year-old man who complained of low back pain radiating into the posterior aspect of both thighs. There were no neurological deficits, while general medical examination revealed a Cushing's syndrome due to corticosteroid therapy for rheumatic polyarthritis. Myelography showed irregular and circumferential narrowing of the dural sac from L-3 to S-1 caused by abundant epidural fat as demonstrated by MRI. Surgical decompression produced immediate relief of symptoms. The literature of epidural spinal lipomatosis is reviewed and therapeutic considerations are discussed.
Zentner
J
J
Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Bonn, Germany.
Buchbender
K
K
Vahlensieck
M
M
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D004824:Epidural Space; D006801:Humans; D008068:Lipomatosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones