Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis--a Brief Review

Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare disorder characterized by overgrowth of fat in the extradural space, causing compression of the neural elements. It is frequently associated with the administration of exogenous steroids or elevation of endogenous steroids. We present two patients, both with epidural lipamotosis of idiopathic origin. One was 53-year-old man with progressive mid-thoracic and lower limb pain with associated weakness and neurogenic claudication due to thoracic epidural lipomatosis. The second was a 68-year-old male with lumbar epidural lipomatosis. Co-morbidities for the first patient included diabetes and obesity; however, there was no history of steroid administration. An MRI scan revealed thoracic cord compression, with significant stenosis at T4-T9. The second patient complained of progression of longstanding lumbar pain and claudicant symptoms. There was no history of steroid intake. An MRI revealed stenosis at L4-S1 and diffuse anterior lipomatosis. A literature review revealed 49 cases of idiopathic SEL and 62 of secondary SEL. We aimed to delineate the differences between these two relatively distinct entities including their anatomical distribution, clinical presentation and prognostic implications.