Cauda equina compression by epidural lipomatosis in obesity. Effectiveness of weight reduction

J Rheumatol. 1995 Sep;22(9):1771-5.

Abstract

Epidural lipomatosis (EL) is characterized by abnormal accumulation of unencapsulated fat in the epidural space, and usually occurs as a complication of longterm steroid therapy. This condition, which may result in devastating neurologic complications, has also been reported without exogenous steroid intake. We describe a case of nonsteroid induced symptomatic EL associated with obesity, and emphasize the possibility of effective medical management of this entity with weight reduction instead of decompressive laminectomy whenever neurologic symptoms are mild and stable.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cauda Equina*
  • Epidural Space*
  • Humans
  • Lipomatosis / complications*
  • Lipomatosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Lipomatosis / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnostic imaging
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / etiology*
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Radiography