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Schmutzer-Sondergeld M, Zimmermann H, Trabold R, Liebig T, Schichor C, Siller S. Outcome of posterior decompression for spinal epidural lipomatosis. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2023; 165:3479-3491. [PMID: 37743433 PMCID: PMC10624717 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05814-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In contrast to osteoligamentous lumbar stenosis (LSS), outcome of surgical treatment for spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is still not well defined. We present risk factors for SEL and clinical long-term outcome data after surgical treatment for patients with pure SEL and a mixed-type pathology with combined SEL and LSS (SEL+LSS) compared to patients with pure LSS. METHODS From our prospective institutional database, we identified all consecutive patients who were surgically treated for newly diagnosed SEL (n = 31) and SEL+LSS (n = 26) between 2018 and 2022. In addition, a matched control group of patients with pure LSS (n = 30) was compared. Microsurgical treatment aimed for posterior decompression of the spinal canal. Study endpoints were outcome data including clinical symptoms at presentation, MR-morphological analysis, evaluation of pain-free walking distance, pain perception by VAS-N/-R scales, and patient's satisfaction by determination of the Odom score. RESULTS Patients with osteoligamentous SEL were significantly more likely to suffer from obesity (body mass index (BMI) of 30.2 ± 5.5 kg/m2, p = 0.03), lumbar pain (p = 0.006), and to have received long-term steroid therapy (p = 0.01) compared to patients with SEL+LSS and LSS. In all three groups, posterior decompression of the spinal canal resulted in significant improvement of these symptoms. Patients with SEL had a significant increase in pain-free walking distance during the postoperative course, at discharge, and last follow-up (FU) (p < 0.0001), similar to patients with SEL+LSS and pure LSS. In addition, patients with pure SEL and SEL+LSS had a significant reduction in pain perception, represented by smaller values of VAS-N and -R postoperatively and at FU, similar to patients with pure LSS. In uni- and multivariate analysis, domination of lumbar pain and steroid long-term therapy were significant characteristic risk factors for SEL. CONCLUSIONS Surgical treatment of pure SEL and SEL+LSS allows significant improvement in pain-free walking distance and pain perception immediately postoperatively and in long-term FU, similar to patients with pure LSS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanna Zimmermann
- Department for Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Raimund Trabold
- Department of Neurosurgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Liebig
- Department for Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Schichor
- Department of Neurosurgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Siller
- Department of Neurosurgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
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Mugge L, Dang DD, Dang J, Leiphart J. Acute Spinal Cord Injury Due to Epidural Lipomatosis Without Osseous Injury. Cureus 2022; 14:e25212. [PMID: 35747013 PMCID: PMC9212898 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a common pathology of the lumbar spine. While the natural history is not well understood, there is a strong association with metabolic syndrome and endocrine dysfunction. Clinical presentation typically involves slow, progressive onset of radicular and myelopathic symptoms. Treatment primarily consists of weight loss, while surgery is reserved for refractory cases or acute cauda equina syndrome. We present a case of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) after trauma with underlying SEL in the cervicothoracic spine. Additionally, a literature review using a MEDLINE search of the English literature through April 2020 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed to identify all documented cases of acute spinal cord injury with underlying SEL. A 72-year-old obese male with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus presented with subacute bilateral lower extremity weakness after a fall with a flank injury three days prior to evaluation. Within hours of admission, the patient acutely progressed to paraplegia and sensory loss below the T6 level consistent with an ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) A spinal cord injury. No fracture or dislocation was identified on CT imaging. MRI of the thoracic spine revealed spinal cord compression secondary to extensive posterior epidural lipomatosis with resultant anterior displacement of the thecal sac. The patient underwent emergent T2-T9 laminectomy for decompression. Post-operatively, the patient regained sensation below the level of injury. A review of the literature reviewed no published articles on cases of complete spinal cord injury secondary to underlying SEL without associated fracture. Finally, we present the first report of an acute spinal cord injury in the setting of SEL without fracture. Our case demonstrates that SEL outside the lumbar spine confers increased risk for SCI following trauma. Patients with cervicothoracic SEL may require close neurological observation and timely surgical decompression.
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Holder EK, Raju R, Dundas MA, Husu EN, McCormick ZL. Is there an association between lumbosacral epidural lipomatosis and lumbosacral epidural steroid injections? A comprehensive narrative literature review. NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY JOURNAL (NASSJ) 2022; 9:100101. [PMID: 35243452 PMCID: PMC8857075 DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2022.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Exogenous systemic steroid exposure is a well-established risk factor for spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL), however the association between lumbosacral epidural steroid injections (LESIs) and lumbosacral epidural lipomatosis (LEL) is generally regarded as poorly understood. Our objective was to investigate the rationale and the evidence implicating LESI(s) as a potential cause of LEL as well as the evidence related to use of LESI(s) as a potential pain relieving treatment option for radicular pain in the setting of LEL. Methods PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, OVID were searched from inception until April 2021. Three investigators identified literature that provided original descriptive patient clinical data attributing the development/progression of LEL to LESI(s) or described the use of LESI(s) as a pain relieving modality for radicular pain in the setting of LEL. Results Fourteen publications were included for review. Overall, the current level of evidence is of low-quality. There are significant methodological gaps on this subject matter and many studies do not account for confounding variables independently associated with LEL. Conclusions This review has identified substantial limitations in the literature regarding that which is truly known regarding LESI(s) and LEL, as well as conservative management overall. To provide a well-rounded perspective, we synthesized literature as it pertains to: 1) current knowledge regarding SEL, notable associations and potential implications for corticosteroid exposure; 2) corticosteroid exposure and lipoatrophy; 3) current management recommendations for SEL and 4) areas for future focus. Although LESI(s) have been associated with LEL in the literature, presently due to a lack of rigorous, high-quality studies, the presence or absence of an independent causal relationship between LESI(s) and LEL cannot be stated with confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric K. Holder
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation: Section of Physiatry, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Corresponding author at: Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, P.O Box 208071, USA.
| | - Robin Raju
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation: Section of Physiatry, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Mark A. Dundas
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation: Section of Physiatry, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Emanuel N. Husu
- Baylor College of Medicine, H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Houston, TX, USA
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School, Department of Clinical Sciences, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zachary L. McCormick
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Neal MT, Patra DP, Lyons MK. Surgical management of thoracic myelopathy from long-segment epidural lipomatosis with skip hemilaminotomies: illustrative case. JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY: CASE LESSONS 2021; 2:CASE21595. [PMID: 35855484 PMCID: PMC9281437 DOI: 10.3171/case21595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracic spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) involves the pathological overgrowth of histologically normal, unencapsulated adipose tissue that can compress the spinal cord and cause myelopathy. SEL has been associated with multiple medical conditions, including Scheuermann kyphosis (SK). Optimal treatment strategies for SEL, especially in the setting of a sagittal spinal deformity, remain unclear. OBSERVATIONS In this report, the authors discussed surgical management of a patient with thoracic SEL and SK using skip hemilaminotomies for resection of the epidural adipose tissue. To the authors’ knowledge, only one other report described a similar surgical technique in a patient who did not have a spinal deformity. LESSONS When conservative efforts fail, thoracic SEL may require surgical treatment. Surgical planning must account for co-medical conditions such as SK. The described approach involving skip laminotomies, which minimizes spine destabilization, is a viable option to treat SEL spanning multiple spinal segments. Prognosis after surgical treatment varies and is impacted by multiple factors, including severity of preoperative neurological deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devi P. Patra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Mark K. Lyons
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
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Walker PB, Sark C, Brennan G, Smith T, Sherman WF, Kaye AD. Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis: A Comprehensive Review. Orthop Rev (Pavia) 2021; 13:25571. [PMID: 34745483 DOI: 10.52965/001c.25571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose of review This is a comprehensive review regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL). Recent Findings SEL is a relatively rare condition that has gained scientific relevance over the past few decades. Recent findings include expanding treatment strategies to include minimally invasive surgical techniques. Summary SEL is caused by an excess of adipose tissue accumulation localized to the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. While the exact pathogenesis is not fully elucidated, the etiology of SEL can be broadly classified based on five commonly associated risk factors; exogenous steroid use, obesity, endogenous steroid hormonal disease, spine surgery, and idiopathic disease. Progression of SEL may lead to neurological deficits, myelopathy, radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication, loss of sensation, difficulty voiding, lower extremity weakness, and rarely cauda equina syndrome. Conservative management is largely patient-specific and aimed at mitigating symptoms that arise from shared risk factors. If more advanced treatment measures are necessary, minimally invasive surgery and open surgical techniques, have proven successful.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cain Sark
- Louisiana State University Health Science Center Shreveport
| | - Gioe Brennan
- Louisiana State University Health Science Center Shreveport
| | - Taylor Smith
- Louisiana State University Health Science Center Shreveport
| | | | - Alan D Kaye
- Louisiana State University Health Science Center Shreveport
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Spinnato P, Barakat M, Lotrecchiano L, Giusti D, Filonzi G, Spinelli D, Pipola V, Moio A, Tetta C, Ponti F. MRI Features and Clinical Significance of Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis: All You Should Know. Curr Med Imaging 2021; 18:208-215. [PMID: 34429050 DOI: 10.2174/1573405617666210824111305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is defined as the abnormal accumulation of unencapsulated adipose tissue in the spinal epidural space. SEL can be asymptomatic or can cause a wide range of symptoms, the most common of which is neurogenic claudication. Several other neurological manifestations may also occur, above all myelopathy and radicular symptoms. The spinal level most frequently involved in patients with SEL is the lumbar one, followed by the thoracic one. Imaging plays a key role in disease assessment. MRI is considered the most effective and sensitive modality for diagnosing and staging SEL. Anyway, also CT scan can diagnose SEL. The diagnosis may be incidental (in mild-moderate disease) or may be taken into account in cases with neurological symptoms (in moderate-severe disease). There are some recognized risk factors for SEL, the most common of which are exogenous steroid use and obesity. Recent studies have found an association between SEL and obesity, hyperlipidemia and liver fat deposition. As a matter of fact, SEL can be considered the spinal hallmark of metabolic syndrome. Risk factors control represents the initial treatment strategy in patients with SEL (e.g. weight loss, steroid therapy suspension). Surgical decompression may be required when conservative treatment fails or when the patient develops acute/severe neurological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Spinnato
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna. Italy
| | - Massimo Barakat
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna. Italy
| | - Ludovica Lotrecchiano
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna. Italy
| | - Davide Giusti
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna. Italy
| | | | - Daniele Spinelli
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna. Italy
| | - Valerio Pipola
- Department of Oncologic and Degenerative Spine Surgery, IRCCS, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna. Italy
| | - Antonio Moio
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna. Italy
| | - Cecilia Tetta
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna. Italy
| | - Federico Ponti
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna. Italy
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