Steroid-induced Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis after Suprasella Tumor Resection

Abstract

Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is an abnormal localized accumulation of fat tissues in the epidural space. It is strongly related with steroid administration. The symptoms of SEL are various and range from back pain to paraplegia. In severe cases, decompressive laminectomy is the choice of treatment. A 32-year-old woman who had been under long-term steroid administration after suprasellar tumor resection was admitted for both leg radiating pain and weakness. She was diagnosed with SEL and had a decompressive laminectomy. During the operation, we found the nerve roots were compressed by epidural fat tissues and engorged vessels. After the operation, her radiating pain was relieved and motor weakness was improved.

Canal lombaire étroit par lipomatose épidurale: à propos d’un cas et revue de la littérature

“…L'évolution à 6 mois post opératoire a été bonne avec une disparition complète de la lombo-radiculalgie et la reprise des activités. Ce bon résultat du traitement chirurgical a été rapporté dans la plupart des études [ 2 , 11 , 12 , 15 ].…”