Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis: A case report

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.