Spinal epidural lipomatosis as a complication of prolonged corticosteroid therapy

J Neurosurg Sci. 1995 Mar;39(1):81-5.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects*
  • Adult
  • Epidural Space
  • Humans
  • Lipomatosis / etiology*
  • Lipomatosis / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones