Korean J Pain.  2009 Dec;22(3):249-252. 10.3344/kjp.2009.22.3.249.

Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis: A case report

• Kim SY

• KMID: 1978702
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2009.22.3.249

Abstract

Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare condition of pathological overgrowth of fat tissue in the vertebral canal. SEL leads to back pain, radiculopathy or paraparesis. Glucocorticoids seem to play a major role in the development of SEL. SEL is best diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. The treatment of SEL is directed at reducing the body weight and decreasing the excess glucocorticoid. In severe cases, decompressive laminectomy with removal of the excess epidural fat might become necessary to alleviate the neurological symptoms caused by spinal cord compression.

Keyword

epidural lipomatosis; spinal

MeSH Terms

Back Pain
Body Weight
Glucocorticoids
Laminectomy
Lipomatosis
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Paraparesis
Radiculopathy
Spinal Cord Compression
Glucocorticoids