title: Steroid-induced paraparesis: spinal epidural lipomatosis complicated by a wedge deformity of the middle thoracic vertebrae.
abstract: Steroid therapy is commonly prescribed, although a variety of complications have been reported. Among such complications, spinal epidural lipomatosis is rare and difficult to diagnose before paraparesis occurs. The purpose of this report is to present a rare but catastrophic complication of steroid therapy. A 64-year-old woman undergoing long-term steroid therapy suffered from an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture and was unable to walk due to paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a D7 compression fracture and stored epidural adipose tissue between D5 and D8. After surgery, the patient was able to walk with double canes. This case indicates that long-term steroid use has the potential to induce paraparesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kansai Rosai Hospital, Japan. miwa.toshitada@gmail.com
authors.forename: Toshitada
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Miwa
authors.forename: Tomoya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yamashita
authors.forename: Hironobu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sakaura
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ohzono
authors.forename: Tetsuo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ohwada
mesh_terms: D004824:Epidural Space / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008068:Lipomatosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D020335:Paraparesis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D013256:Steroids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids