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Bilateral Lower Extremity Weakness: Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis or more?
Aditya Krishnan1, Thor Stead2, Karen Oldano3
1Lake Nona High School, Orlando, FL.
Orthopedic Reviews
|July 1, 2022
Summary
Spinal epidural lipomatosis can cause neurological deficits by narrowing the spinal canal. This case highlights a patient initially diagnosed with spinal lipomatosis who later developed Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Spinal epidural lipomatosis involves excess epidural adipose tissue.
- This condition can lead to spinal canal narrowing and neurological deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of spinal epidural lipomatosis presenting with neurological symptoms.
- To discuss the diagnostic challenges and differential diagnoses in such cases.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 43-year-old male with bilateral lower extremity weakness.
- Computed tomography (CT) imaging to identify spinal lipomatosis.
- Neurologic workup including assessment for ascending areflexia.
Main Results:
- CT imaging confirmed spinal epidural lipomatosis.
- Patient developed ascending areflexia, indicative of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Initial symptoms were complex, requiring further investigation beyond spinal lipomatosis.
Conclusions:
- Spinal epidural lipomatosis can present with varied neurological symptoms.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neurological deficits, even with co-existing spinal epidural lipomatosis.
- Comprehensive neurologic evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
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