Case report: resolution of symptomatic epidural fibrosis following treatment with combined pentoxifylline-tocopherol

Epidural fibrosis (EF) is a major cause of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), which induces disabling radiculopathy for which no effective medical treatment exists. Our understanding of the fibrosis mechanisms and our clinical and experimental results for the treatment of radiation-induced fibrosis prompted us to postulate that EF might respond to treatment with combined pentoxifylline (PTX)-tocopherol (Vit.E). 6 weeks after lumbar spine surgery, a 28-year-old man presented with recurrent left L5 sciatica without disc herniation on MRI in December 1993. From 1993 to 1997, he had unrelieved back and leg pain, which became increasingly resistant to intensive medical treatment and to a spinal cord stimulator, and confined him to bed as from December 1997. In 1998, a lumbar CT-scan showed an area of left L4-L5 EF measuring 12 mm x 12 mm, without disc herniation. From April 1998, oral PTX (800 mg day(-1)) and Vit.E (1000 IU day(-1)) were administered daily for 3.5 years and well tolerated. Clinical improvement began during the third month of treatment and continued until total regression of clinical symptoms April 2001. Lumbar MRI in November 2001 showed a surface area of residual EF half the size of the initial area. This is the first report to indicate that antifibrotic treatment using combined PTX-Vit.E may be of potential benefit in the treatment of post-operative EF. Additional studies are required to confirm this potential.