Epidural lipomatosis in elderly patient: A rare cause of cauda equina compression

BACKGROUND: The most common cause of cauda equina compression in the elderly is lumbar spinal stenosis. Epidural lipomatosis is an additional known but rare cause of cauda equina compression readily diagnosed on MR studies. Notably, spinal canal decompression and direct excision of the epidural fat effectively manage this combined pathology. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 70-year-old male presented with progressive truncal obesity associated with refractory lumbar neurogenic claudication. The lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed excessive epidural fat extending from L4 to S2 resulting in thecal sac compression; this was confirmed on the MRI myelogram study. Following a decompressive laminectomy, the patient's cauda equina syndrome resolved. CONCLUSION: Recent weight gain with increased neurogenic claudication and the onset of a cauda equina syndrome may herald the presence of significant lumbar epidural lipomatosis. Here, laminectomy for excision of the excessive epidural fat resolved the patient's symptomatic spinal stenosis.