THORACIC EPIDURAL LIPOMATOSIS RADIOLOGY

OVERVIEW

Thoracic Epidural lipomatosis is not uncommon to see but has a different appearance to Lumbar Epidural Lipomatosis

WHAT IS IT?

With thoracic epidural lipomatosis there is excess fat accumulated in the epidural space.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

There is an increased risk of developing epidural lipomatosis with:

• Chronic corticosteroid use.
• Cushing syndrome.
• Obesity.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: THORACIC EPIDURAL LIPOMATOSIS

• Epidural lipomatosis in the thoracic spine has a different appearance to Lumbar Epidural Lipomatosis.
   
• In the lumbar spine we look for a trefoil appearance of the thecal sac.
   
• However in the thoracic spine we look for Increased epidural fat.
   
• The fat accumulation is posterior and lateral.
   
• This results in the Cord being displaced anteriorly and thecal sac effaced.
   
• There is no trefoil appearance.

IS THERE A MEASUREMENT?

Posterior epidural fat measuring >6mm in AP diameter is abnormal.

THE TAKE AWAY

1. Epidural lipomatosis in the thoracic spine has a different appearance to Lumbar Epidural lipomatosis. (See Here)

1. Look for increased fat in the epidural space and cord displacement.

THORACIC EPIDURAL LIPOMATOSIS: VIEW IMAGES

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