Korean Journal of Spine  2013;10(2):88-90

doi:10.14245/kjs.2013.10.2.88

Steroid-induced Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis after Suprasella Tumor Resection.

Si On KIM 1 2 ; Keuk Kyu PARK ; Young Jun KWON ; Hyun Chul SHIN ; Chun Sik CHOI

Affiliations

+expand

Keywords

Spinal epidural lipomatosis; Suprasellar tumor; Steroid

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

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.