Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis: A Rare Complication From Hormonal Therapy for Infantile Spasms

Sonam Bhalla; Vinay Puri; Karen Skjei

doi:10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.06.006

Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis: A Rare Complication From Hormonal Therapy for Infantile Spasms

Pediatr Neurol. 2019 Dec:101:78-80. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.06.006. Epub 2019 Jun 13.

Authors

Sonam Bhalla¹, Vinay Puri², Karen Skjei²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Child Neurology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky; Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York. Electronic address: sonamb12@gmail.com.
² Division of Child Neurology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.

PMID: 31444013
DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.06.006

Abstract

Background: Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) represents pathologic overgrowth of extradural adipose tissue in the spinal canal that can result in spinal cord compression. SEL has been associated with excess corticosteroids, whether from exogenous steroid use or from excess endogenous steroids. Spinal epidural lipomatosis is rarely reported in children and has not been reported in association with hormonal therapy for infantile spasms.

Methods: We performed a detailed retrospective chart and literature review.

Results: We describe two children with symptomatic SEL associated with the use of high-dose hormone treatment for infantile spasms.

Keywords: ACTH; Adrenocorticotropin hormone; Infantile spasms; Paraparesis; Spinal epidural lipomatosis.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects*
Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
Female
Humans
Infant
Lipomatosis / chemically induced*
Lipomatosis / diagnostic imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Spasms, Infantile / drug therapy*
Spinal Cord Diseases / chemically induced*
Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnostic imaging

Substances

Adrenal Cortex Hormones