Epidural lipomatosis of the lumbar spine

Case contributed by Michael Paks
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

The patient presented with new urinary incontinence and acute on chronic lower back pain.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years

MRI lumbar spine

mri

Circumferential prominence of epidural fat from L4-L5 with scalloping of the thecal sac is consistent with epidural lipomatosis. Combined with moderate-large disc bulge at L4/5 and L5/S1, this results in severe flattening and distortion of the thecal sac and obliteration of CSF around the cauda equina nerve roots. At L4/5, there is also moderate lateral recess stenosis bilaterally with compression of descending L5 nerve roots.

Case Discussion

The combination of epidural lipomatosis, moderate-large disc bulge and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy creates severe canal stenosis with severe flattening/distortion of the thecal sac with crowding and complete obliteration of CSF around the cauda equina nerve roots. The patient went on to have a decompressive lumbar laminectomy.

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