Idiopathic Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis

RKT Lee, LF Chau, KS Yu, CW Lai

Hong Kong J Radiol 2002;5:105-8

Spinal epidural lipomatosis is most often associated with exogenous steroid therapy and endocrinopathy. Idiopathic spinal epidural lipomatosis is a rare disease. Obesity may be associated with this condition. We report the case of a patient with persistent back pain after an accidental fall from height. Excessive fat deposition was found in the lumbar spinal canal on magnetic resonance imaging. Other possible causes of back pain, including spondylolysis with nerve root impingement and prolapsed intervertebral discs were excluded by injection tests and discograms. Clinical and pathologic features of idiopathic spinal epidural lipomatosis, along with treatment options are discussed.