Lipomatose epidural idiopática familiar: relato de três casos e revisão da literatura / Familiar Idiopathic Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis: Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature
Epidural lipomatosis is a disease caused by increased fat content in the epidural space of the spine, leading to root or spinal cord compression. The thoracolumbar spinal cord is themost commonly involved. It is usually found in men. Themain causes are obesity, high levels of exogenous or endogenous steroids and hypothyroidism. The idiopathic form is rare, accounting for 17% of cases. It manifests as compressive myelopathy or radiculopathy. MRI is the test of choice, suggests the diagnosis when the thickness of the epidural fat exceeds 6mm. We adopt in this case laminectomy with fat resection, cited as one of the possible forms of treatment. Most studies show a gradual improvement, marked or complete neurological recovery in the first two years after surgery.