Cauda equina compression after trauma: an unusual presentation of spinal epidural lipoma.
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.
Schizas
Constantin
C
Whittington Hospital, London, United Kingdom. cschizas@hotmail.com
Ballesteros
Caridad
C
Roy
Pratik
P
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