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Salman AA, Ahmed AB, Sharabati H, Bakri IA, Al-Darawish AM. A challenging diagnosis of spinal epidural lipomatosis: A case report and review of the literature. Int J Surg Case Rep 2024; 121:109948. [PMID: 38964232 PMCID: PMC11268336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare disorder of pathological overgrowth of the spinal epidural fat in the extradural space. The pathogenesis of SEL usually involves exogenous steroid use or endogenous steroids overproduction. However, idiopathic cases have been reported. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for diagnosis. Both conservative and surgical approaches are employed in management of these patients. CASE PRESENTATION A 17-year-old male presented to our hospital complaining of progressive lower limb weakness, loss of sensation with urinary incontinence which ended up with paraplegia. He underwent extensive investigations and received multiple inaccurate diagnoses. MRI of the thoracic spine showed spinal epidural lipomatosis with dorsal kyphosis. Hemi-laminectomy for spinal cord decompression and trans-pedicular fixation for correction of kyphosis were performed showing excellent outcomes. CLINICAL DISCUSSION Diagnosing SEL can be challenging due to its symptom overlap with other neurological conditions. Thus, higher levels of clinical suspicions and utilization of numerous diagnostic modalities including MRI are required. Treatment is largely determined by the clinical presentation and the severity of symptoms. Given the severity of neurological symptoms in our case, surgical intervention was performed resulting in fully regained functionality of previously paralyzed muscles. CONCLUSION This case highlights the rare presentation and the diagnostic challenges of spinal epidural lipomatosis SEL in a young patient who was misdiagnosed for 9 consecutive months before receiving the correct diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of considering SEL in the differential diagnosis for progressive neurological deficits and the importance of MRI, especially in atypical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman A Salman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Hospital, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Amani B Ahmed
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine.
| | | | - Izzeddin A Bakri
- Pathology Department, Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Hospital, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Asad M Al-Darawish
- Department of Neurosurgery, Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Hospital, Jerusalem, Palestine
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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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张 乐, 徐 玉, 樊 攀, 李 熹, 王 佳, 陶 禹, 李 骁, 王 运. [Clinical research progress of spinal epidural lipomatosis]. ZHONGGUO XIU FU CHONG JIAN WAI KE ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO XIUFU CHONGJIAN WAIKE ZAZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF REPARATIVE AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 2023; 37:1284-1291. [PMID: 37848326 PMCID: PMC10581873 DOI: 10.7507/1002-1892.202305071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Objective To review the clinical research progress of spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL). Methods The clinical studies on SEL at home and abroad in recent years were extensively reviewed, and the pathogenesis, clinical and imaging manifestations, and treatment status of SEL were summarized and analyzed. Results SEL is a disease characterized by compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots due to abnormal accumulation of epidural adipose tissue in the spinal canal. Its prevalence and diagnosis rate are low and the pathogenesis is not fully understood. MRI is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic test for SEL. Surgical decompression and removal of excess adipose tissue are the only options for patients with acute SEL or those who have failed conservative management, and conservative management should be considered for other patients. Conclusion SEL is a rare disease and related research still needs to be improved. In the future, high-quality, multi-center and large-sample studies will be of great significance for evaluating the choice of treatment methods and effectiveness of SEL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- 乐乐 张
- 东南大学附属中大医院脊柱外科中心(南京 210009)Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
- 东南大学医学院(南京 210009)Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
| | - 玉柱 徐
- 东南大学附属中大医院脊柱外科中心(南京 210009)Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
- 东南大学医学院(南京 210009)Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
| | - 攀 樊
- 东南大学附属中大医院脊柱外科中心(南京 210009)Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
- 东南大学医学院(南京 210009)Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
| | - 熹 李
- 东南大学附属中大医院脊柱外科中心(南京 210009)Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
- 东南大学医学院(南京 210009)Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
| | - 佳东 王
- 东南大学附属中大医院脊柱外科中心(南京 210009)Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
- 东南大学医学院(南京 210009)Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
| | - 禹澳 陶
- 东南大学附属中大医院脊柱外科中心(南京 210009)Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
- 东南大学医学院(南京 210009)Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
| | - 骁龙 李
- 东南大学附属中大医院脊柱外科中心(南京 210009)Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
- 东南大学医学院(南京 210009)Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
| | - 运涛 王
- 东南大学附属中大医院脊柱外科中心(南京 210009)Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
- 东南大学医学院(南京 210009)Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
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Bogeat C, Hugeron C, Brière M, Raffin-Sanson ML, Hage M. Epidural lipomatosis in Cushing's syndrome causing regressive paraplegia. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2023; 84:86-87. [PMID: 36642637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bogeat
- Centre hospitalier universitaire Ambroise-Paré, service d'endocrinologie diabétologie et nutrition, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 9, avenue Charles-De-Gaulle, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
| | - Caroline Hugeron
- Centre hospitalier universitaire Raymond-Poincaré, service de médecine physique et de réadaptation, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 92380 Garches, France
| | - Mathilde Brière
- Centre hospitalier universitaire Ambroise-Paré, service d'endocrinologie diabétologie et nutrition, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 9, avenue Charles-De-Gaulle, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Marie-Laure Raffin-Sanson
- Centre hospitalier universitaire Ambroise-Paré, service d'endocrinologie diabétologie et nutrition, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 9, avenue Charles-De-Gaulle, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France; EA4340, université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UFR des sciences de la santé Simone-Veil, 78423 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Mirella Hage
- Centre hospitalier universitaire Ambroise-Paré, service d'endocrinologie diabétologie et nutrition, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 9, avenue Charles-De-Gaulle, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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D’Agostino V, Petrera MR, Tedesco G, Pipola V, Ponti F, Spinnato P. Could Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis Be the Hallmark of Metabolic Syndrome on the Spine? A Literature Review with Emphasis on Etiology. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13020322. [PMID: 36673132 PMCID: PMC9858169 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13020322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal epidural lipomatosis is defined by an excessive amount of epidural fat in the spinal canal, usually in the lumbosacral tract: a well-known cause of lumbar pain and spinal stenosis with a possible wide range of neurological symptoms. Recent research data reveal that, nowadays, obesity has become the main cause of spinal epidural lipomatosis. Moreover, this condition was recently recognized as a previously unknown manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Radiological studies (CT and MRI) are the only tools that are able to diagnose the disease non-invasively. Indeed, radiologists play a key role in disease recognition, with subsequent possible implications on patients' systemic health assessments. Despite its clinical importance, the condition is still underreported and neglected. The current literature review summarizes all the main etiologies of spinal epidural lipomatosis, particularly regarding its linkage with metabolic syndrome. An overview of disease characteristics from diagnosis to treatment strategies is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio D’Agostino
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Miriana Rosaria Petrera
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tedesco
- Spine Surgery, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valerio Pipola
- Spine Surgery, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Ponti
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Spinnato
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: or
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Arimura D, Shinohara A, Katsumi S, Obata S, Ikegami T, Saito M. Transsacral Canal Plasty for Decompression of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in a Patient With Epidural Lipomatosis: A Case Report. JBJS Case Connect 2022; 12:01709767-202212000-00045. [PMID: 36656263 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.22.00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
CASE A 58-year-old man presented with lumbar spinal stenosis due to epidural lipomatosis. He underwent transsacral canal plasty (TSCP), in a manner similar to epidural adhesiolysis, which can be performed under local anesthesia. His leg pain improved dramatically in the year after surgery. Furthermore, magnetic resonance images during this time show neural decompression by reduction of the amount of epidural fat. CONCLUSION TSCP was found not only to relieve pain but also to achieve neural decompression in this patient with spinal canal stenosis caused by lumbar epidural lipomatosis. This is the first report to demonstrate the usefulness of TSCP for spinal epidural lipomatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daigo Arimura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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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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Yang K, Ji C, Luo D, Li K, Xu H. Lumbar laminotomy and replantation for the treatment of lumbar spinal epidural lipomatosis: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26795. [PMID: 34397734 PMCID: PMC8322498 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Lumbar spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare condition characterized by excessive overgrowth of extradural fat within the lumbar spinal canal. Surgical decompression is commonly performed to treat symptomatic SELs. Fenestration or laminectomy with epidural fat debulking was a routine surgical procedure according to the literature, that may be causing postoperative lumbar instability. In the present study, we presented a brief report of lumbar SEL and introduced another surgical approach. PATIENT CONCERNS A 55-year-old man complained of severe low back pain and right leg radicular pain for a year, accompanied by neurogenic intermittent claudication. He received a variety of conservative treatments, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acupuncture, and physical therapy. However, his pain did not diminish. Finally, a posterior epidural mass in the dorsal spine extending from the L3 to L5 level, which caused dural sac compression was found on lumbar magnetic resonance imaging. This mass was homogeneously hyperintense in both T1W1 and T2W1 images, suggestive of epidural fat accumulation. DIAGNOSES Lumbar SEL. INTERVENTIONS The patient underwent lumbar laminectomy, epidural fat debulking, and spinous process-vertebral plate in situ replantations. OUTCOMES The patient presented with complete recovery of radiculopathy and low back pain after surgery. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed that the increased adipose tissue disappeared, and the dural sac compression was relieved. A computed tomography scan revealed the lumbar lamina in situ. He was able to walk normally and remained relatively asymptomatic for 12 months after the operation at the last follow-up visit. LESSONS Lumbar laminotomy and replantation provide an ideal option to treat lumbar SEL because it can achieve sufficient and effective decompression, simultaneously reconstruct the anatomy of the spinal canal, and reduce the risk of iatrogenic lumbar instability.
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Ahmad S, Best T, Lansdown A, Hayhurst C, Smeeton F, Davies S, Rees A. Spinal epidural lipomatosis: a rare association of Cushing's disease. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep 2020; 2020:EDM200111. [PMID: 33434165 PMCID: PMC7576635 DOI: 10.1530/edm-20-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Excess cortisol is associated with hypertrophy and redistribution of adipose tissue leading to central obesity which is classically seen in Cushing's syndrome. Abnormal accumulation of fatty tissue in the spinal canal is most commonly associated with chronic steroid therapy and rarely reported with endogenous Cushing's syndrome. Herein, we describe a case of spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) associated with Cushing's disease. A 17-year-old man was referred with lower limb weakness, weight gain, multiple stretch marks, back pain and loss of height. He had clinical and biochemical features of Cushing's syndrome. MRI and Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling (IPSS) confirmed a pituitary adenoma as the source. On day 1 post trans-sphenoidal adenectomy he developed spastic paraparesis with a sensory deficit to the level of T5. MRI spine showed increased fat deposition in the spinal canal from T2 to T9 consistent with a diagnosis of SEL. He was managed conservatively and made a good recovery following restoration of eucortisolism and a period of rehabilitation. LEARNING POINTS SEL is a serious complication of glucocorticoid excess and should be considered in any patient presenting with new lower limb neurological symptoms associated with hypercortisolism. It is important to distinguish symptomatic SEL from cortisol-induced proximal myopathy by good history and clinical examination. MRI of the spine is the gold standard investigation for making a diagnosis of SEL. Restoration of eucortisolism can lead to resolution of fat accumulation and good neurological outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Ahmad
- GIM/Diabetes & Endocrinology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Andrew Lansdown
- GIM/Diabetes & Endocrinology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Fiona Smeeton
- GIM/Diabetes & Endocrinology, Neville Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, UK
| | - Steve Davies
- GIM/Diabetes & Endocrinology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Aled Rees
- GIM/Diabetes & Endocrinology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
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Youn MS, Woo YH, Shin JK. Rapid progression of spinal epidural lipomatosis after percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery mimicking disc herniation. Int J Surg Case Rep 2020; 73:1-4. [PMID: 32622184 PMCID: PMC7334442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.06.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal epidural lipomatosis can occur and progress rapidly after endoscopic spine surgery. As in our case, focally progressed SEL anterior to the dural sac could be misdiagnosed for disc herniation. SEL should be recognized as a rare complication of endoscopic spine surgery.
Introduction Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is well known but uncommon complication of endoscopic spine surgery. Here, we present a case of SEL that progressed focally and rapidly after endoscopic spinal surgery. Presentation of case A 67-year-old man presented with back and Lt. leg radiating pain. MRI of the lumbar spine demonstrated severe foraminal stenosis at Lt. L4/5/S1. He underwent endoscopic posterior foraminotomy at Lt. L4/5/S1. After surgery, his leg pain disappeared. A month after surgery, the patient developed Lt. leg pain again. MR images showed focally progressed epidural fat posterior to the L5 body. After removal of lipomatosis via endoscopic posterior decompression at L3/4/5, his symptoms improved. Discussion Mostly, the epidural fat accumulates insidiously, and distributes widely across several levels. And the increased accumulation of fat is predominantly posterior and posterolateral within the spinal canal. As in this case, focally progressed SEL anterior to the dural sac is rare. And focally progressed SEL can be misdiagnosed for disc herniation. Conclusion SEL should be recognized as a rare complication of endoscopic spine surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Soo Youn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Busan Keun Hospital, 494 Gayadae-ro, Jin-gu, Busan, 47324, South Korea
| | - Young Ha Woo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Busan Keun Hospital, 494 Gayadae-ro, Jin-gu, Busan, 47324, South Korea
| | - Jong Ki Shin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dongeui Medical Center, 62 Yangjung-ro, Jin-gu, Busan, 47227, South Korea.
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