Steroid induced spinal epidural lipomatosis--case report and review of the literature.

Steroids are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for a variety of medical conditions, often long term. Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a state of pathological fatty tissue overgrowth in the vertebral canal. It is a rare and dangerous complication of chronic steroid therapy that may lead to back pain, radiculopathy, or paraparesis. We describe a patient that was taking long term steroids and presented with progressively worsening weakness of the lower extremities. On the MRI scan, a long segment of unusual accumulation of fatty deposits in the posterior aspect of the spinal canal resulting in canal stenosis extending from C7 to the T10 level was observed. Despite an appropriate diagnosis and surgical intervention, his weakness did not resolve. We discuss the implications of this case in the primary care practice.