Retroperitoneal lymphocele associated with lumbar spine fracture: report of an unusual case.

Abstract

To describe a case of retroperitoneal lymphocele as an extremely rare complication after lumbar spine fracture. To discuss the possible mechanism of development of retroperitoneal lymphocele following blunt trauma to the ureter and lumbar spine. Fukui University Hospital, Fukui, Japan. A 71-year-old man presented with severe intractable low back pain caused by a huge retroperitoneal lymphocele, which was considered to be related to an occult L4 vertebral fracture and a blunt ureteral injury. The retroperitoneal lymphocele also caused significant instability at L3-4 level, thus requiring surgical resection followed by interbody fusion. Physicians should be aware that such unusual retroperitoneal lymphocele might develop even after a blunt ureteral injury or a minor lumbar spine fracture.