Management of Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis: A Report of Two Cases

Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare cause of spinal cord or dural sac compression. It is more common in males and usually affects the thoracic spine. This condition is often a consequence of excessive endogenous corticosteroid production or exogenous steroid administration for various intercurrent systemic diseases. The case histories of two patients suffering from lumbar SEL are reviewed and the management of the patients discussed, we are encouraged to report two cases. They are benign lesions, frequently presenting low back pain or neurogenic claudication, should be considered in the differential diagnosis, in patients with low back pain and radiculopathy. Conservative treatment should be attempted with obesity, steroid use and endogenous steroid disease, provided that there are no neurological deficits. Surgical treatment with SEL is the gold standard in patients with intractable pain or neurological deficit.