BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVE: Spinal epidural lipomatosis is the excessive deposition of unencapsulated fat in the epidural space. This is a rare disorder often associated with high levels of endogenous steroids or the administration of exogenous steroids. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 32-year-old man with congenital kyphosis treated with prednisolone daily for 5 months for interstitial lung disease developed compressive myelopathy. FINDINGS: Magnetic resonance imaging showed congenital kyphosis along with epidural lipomatosis compressing the cord. Cessation of steroid therapy was associated with improvement in the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal epidural lipomatosis is a rare side effect of chronic steroid therapy that may occur with relatively short-term, low-dose regimens. In patients with congenital vertebral anomalies, spinal fat deposition may worsen the neurological status in an already compromised cord. Discontinuation of steroid therapy is beneficial; some patients may require surgical intervention for decompression.
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVE: Spinal epidural lipomatosis is the excessive deposition of unencapsulated fat in the epidural space. This is a rare disorder often associated with high levels of endogenous steroids or the administration of exogenous steroids. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 32-year-old man with congenital kyphosis treated with prednisolone daily for 5 months for interstitial lung disease developed compressive myelopathy. FINDINGS: Magnetic resonance imaging showed congenital kyphosis along with epidural lipomatosis compressing the cord. Cessation of steroid therapy was associated with improvement in the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal epidural lipomatosis is a rare side effect of chronic steroid therapy that may occur with relatively short-term, low-dose regimens. In patients with congenital vertebral anomalies, spinal fat deposition may worsen the neurological status in an already compromised cord. Discontinuation of steroid therapy is beneficial; some patients may require surgical intervention for decompression.
Authors: C Beges; B Rousselin; A Chevrot; D Godefroy; C Vallee; F Berenbaum; C Deshays; B Amor Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976) Date: 1994-01-15 Impact factor: 3.468
Authors: J Hierholzer; G Benndorf; T Lehmann; G H Schneider; P Podrabsky; B Sander; R Sörensen; R Siekmann; G Stoltenburg; R Felix Journal: Neuroradiology Date: 1996-05 Impact factor: 2.804