title: Cauda equina compression after trauma: an unusual presentation of spinal epidural lipoma.
abstract: METHODS
  A case report is presented.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe a case of a spinal epidural lipoma presenting as a cauda equina compression syndrome secondary to trauma.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Epidural lipomas are rare lesions that present as back pain with progressive neurologic symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  A patient presenting with cauda equina compression after an injury was investigated and treated surgically. The clinical follow-up period was 3 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Imaging of the lumbar spine showed an extradural mass compressing the cauda equina. The patient underwent emergency surgery, and an adipose mass was removed. Neurologic recovery was observed and maintained 3 years after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Previously asymptomatic epidural masses such as lipomas can present with neurologic deficit after trauma. Appropriate imaging can help in the diagnosis and management of such cases.
authors.affiliation: Whittington Hospital, London, United Kingdom. cschizas@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Constantin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schizas
authors.forename: Caridad
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ballesteros
authors.forename: Pratik
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Roy
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D015174:Epidural Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D008067:Lipoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed