Is spinal epidural lipomatosis an MRI-based diagnosis with clinical implications? A retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the most sensitive modality for evaluating spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) in vivo. The aim of this study was to compare the existing MRI classifications of SEL and to reevaluate the clinico-radiological correlation of SEL as a pathological entity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Measurements of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine were performed in a retrospective setting within 1406 data sets from the digital MRI archives.

RESULTS

It could be shown that the existing MRI classifications developed for different spinal regions complemented each other. However, there was no distinct correlation of these MRI findings with clinical symptoms because other morphological changes existed that probably caused the patients' complaints.

CONCLUSION

Existing SEL classifications developed either for the lumbar or the thoracic spine were found to be applicable to both regions, but the very vague association with clinical symptoms should caution against premature conclusions with respect to the clinical significance of SEL.