A rare case of spinal epidural lipomatosis secondary to pituitary Cushing disease presenting with progressive paraparesis

Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare condition characterized by excessive epidural fat accumulation. Although most cases are secondary to long-term corticosteroid use, SEL due to Cushing disease (CD) is extremely uncommon. A 62-year-old woman presented with progressive paraparesis due to SEL associated with thoracic kyphosis from osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Emergency decompression was performed, followed by endocrine evaluation that revealed pituitary CD. The patient regained full neurological function after surgery. This case represents the third reported instance of SEL caused by pituitary CD requiring spinal surgery. Early recognition and prompt decompression are essential for recovery.

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Publication Details

Journal
JOS Case Reports
Published
2026-02-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joscr.2026.02.001
Primary Topic
Spinal Hematomas and Complications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

A rare case of spinal epidural lipomatosis secondary to pituitary Cushing disease presenting with progressive paraparesis

Masahiro Hirahata, Tomoaki Kitagawa, Hirotaka Kawano, Muneyoshi Fujita
JOS Case Reports
Spinal Hematomas and Complications
article

A rare case of spinal epidural lipomatosis secondary to pituitary Cushing disease presenting with progressive paraparesis

Masahiro Hirahata, Tomoaki Kitagawa, Hirotaka Kawano, Muneyoshi Fujita
article en

Abstract

Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare condition characterized by excessive epidural fat accumulation. Although most cases are secondary to long-term corticosteroid use, SEL due to Cushing disease (CD) is extremely uncommon. A 62-year-old woman presented with progressive paraparesis due to SEL associated with thoracic kyphosis from osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Emergency decompression was performed, followed by endocrine evaluation that revealed pituitary CD. The patient regained full neurological function after surgery. This case represents the third reported instance of SEL caused by pituitary CD requiring spinal surgery. Early recognition and prompt decompression are essential for recovery.

JOS Case Reports
Teikyo University (JP)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 57%
Spinal Hematomas and Complications
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