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Updated: Sep 13, 2026
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
A child with spinal intramedullary abscess
Necmettin Guzel1, Mustafa Eras, Deniz Kamalak Guzel
1Department of Neurosurgery, Haseki State Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. necguzel@hotmail.com
Insights
Intramedullary spinal cord abscess (ISCA) is a rare condition in children. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, including surgery and antibiotics, are crucial for a successful outcome.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric neurology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Spinal intramedullary abscess (ISCA) is a rare neurosurgical condition.
- Fewer than 70 cases have been reported since 1830.
- ISCA can be challenging to differentiate from spinal neoplasms.
Observation:
- A case of ISCA in a 14-month-old child is presented.
- Clinical and radiological features of ISCA are demonstrated.
- Acute ISCA may present with cord syndrome, back pain, and fever.
Findings:
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for favorable outcomes.
- Surgical intervention combined with adjuvant antibiotic therapy improves clinical results.
- Aggressive management is key to successful treatment of ISCA.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering ISCA in pediatric patients with neurological deficits.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention can prevent long-term neurological damage.
- Further research into optimal management strategies for ISCA is warranted.
Case Report:
We report a case of an intramedullary spinal cord abscess (ISCA) in a 14-month-old child. This case demonstrates clinical and radiological features and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Early surgical intervention and adjuvant antibiotic therapy have been shown to improve the clinical outcome. Successful outcome depends on early diagnosis and aggressive management.
Discussion:
Spinal intramedullary abscess is a rare neurosurgical entity. They can hardly be distinguished from neoplasms. Hart described the first case in 1830. Since then, approximately 70 cases have been reported. An acute spinal intramedullary abscess may present as a cord syndrome with back pain and fever, contrasting with chronic spinal intramedullary abscess, which tends to have a less specific symptomatology.
