Polygonal deformation of the dural sac in lumbar epidural lipomatosis: anatomic explanation by the presence of meningovertebral ligaments

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In patients with epidural lipomatosis, axial lumbar spine CT and MR images occasionally reveal a geometric, polygonal or stellar, shape of the dural sac. The purpose of this study was to define the anatomic structures responsible for this radiologic appearance. We hypothesized that meningovertebral ligaments could anchor the dura mater to the osteofibrous walls of the spinal canal and account for the geometric deformation of the dural sac. METHODS: The epidural spaces were examined in 15 adult cadaveric and seven aborted fetal lumbar spines. For macroscopic studies, 70... Mehr ...