Spinal epidural lipomatosis following bilateral spinal decompression surgery. Issue 2 (15th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Greenish, Davyd; Watura, Karen; Harding, Ian
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 12:Issue 2(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-02-15
• Subjects: radiology -- orthopaedic and trauma surgery; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-226985
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : A 73-year-old man underwent bilateral spinal decompression of L4/5 for severe spinal canal stenosis, requiring minimal analgesia and providing immediate relief. Two days post-operatively, he presented with new onset bilateral leg pain and difficulty mobilising. MRI demonstrated spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL), which was not present pre-operatively, at L5/S1. Further surgery was performed with decompression of L5/S1 through removal of epidural fat. At both 3 weeks and 5 months follow-up clinics, the patient was asymptomatic. To our knowledge, this is the first case of acute spinal epidural lipomatosis directly following spinal surgery. It is important to recognise SEL as a complication following spinal surgical intervention, due to the potential development of significant neurological consequences.