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Cervical subdural empyema following acupuncture.

Ming-Hong Chen1, Mei-Hsiu Chen, Jing-Shan Huang

  • 1Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience : Official Journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
|November 3, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Spinal subdural empyema is rare, but can occur after cervical acupuncture. Prompt surgical intervention and Staphylococcus aureus treatment led to good recovery in this case.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Spinal subdural empyema (SSE) is a rare but serious condition.
  • Literature review indicates common etiologies include hematogenous spread, systemic sepsis, osteomyelitis, and discography complications.

Observation:

  • This case report details a patient who developed SSE after undergoing multiple cervical acupuncture sessions.
  • The patient presented with symptoms indicative of spinal infection following the procedure.

Findings:

  • Surgical intervention, including laminectomy and abscess debridement with irrigation, was performed.
  • Microbiologic analysis of the surgical pus identified Staphylococcus aureus as the causative agent.
  • The patient experienced a good recovery following the operative treatment.

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Implications:

  • This case highlights a previously undocumented etiology of SSE: cervical acupuncture.
  • Emphasizes the critical importance of stringent sterilization protocols for acupuncture procedures to prevent iatrogenic infections.
  • Underscores the need for awareness among healthcare professionals regarding potential complications of alternative medicine practices.