J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2011 Aug;50(2):130-133. 10.3340/jkns.2011.50.2.130.

Idiopathic Thoracic Epidural Lipomatosis with Chest Pain

• Lee SB
• Park HK
• Chang JC
• Jin SY

• KMID: 1814120
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2011.50.2.130

Abstract

Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is an overgrowth of the normally encapsulated adipose tissue in the epidural space around the spinal cord in the thoracic and lumbar spine causing compression of the neural components. Idiopathic SEL in non-obese patients is exceptional. Idiopathic SEL can result in thoracic myelopathy and lumbar radiculopathy. A thoracic radiculopathy due to idiopathic SEL has not been reported yet. We report a case of idiopathic SEL with intractable chest pain and paresthesia. We suggest that idiopathic SEL should be considered as a cause of chest pain.

Keyword

Spinal; Idiopathic; Epidural; Lipomatosis; Thoracic; Chest pain

MeSH Terms

Adipose Tissue
Chest Pain
Epidural Space
Humans
Lipomatosis
Paresthesia
Radiculopathy
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Diseases
Spine
Thorax