Steroid-induced thoracic lipomatosis: paraspinal involvement

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Fat deposition in the thoracic paraspinal region is uncommon.
• Elevated corticosteroid levels are a potential cause of abnormal fat distribution.
• Previous documentation of this specific condition is limited.

Observation:

• Three patients presented with widening of the lower thoracic paraspinal area on routine radiographs.
• These patients exhibited clinical features consistent with Cushing's syndrome.
• The widening was suspected to be abnormal tissue or mass.

Findings:

• Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the paraspinal widening was due to significant fat deposition.
• This fat accumulation occurred in the thoracic paraspinal region, an unusual location.
• The findings were directly linked to elevated corticosteroid levels in the patients.

Implications:

• This highlights an uncommon manifestation of corticosteroid excess.
• CT imaging is valuable for diagnosing and characterizing paraspinal fat in these cases.
• Recognizing this pattern can help differentiate it from more serious spinal pathologies.