Epidural abscess causing cauda equina syndrome
B Lenehan1, P Sullivan, J Street
1Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4. brian@blenehan.com
Background:
Spinal epidural abscesses are uncommon but are well documented in the literature as a serious causes of mortality and long-term neurological morbidity.
Aim:
We describe a case of a 57-year-old female who presented to Accident and Emergency with an acute exacerbation of long standing mild lower back pain with symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and a systemic infective process.
Conclusion:
The diagnosis of this condition requires a high index of suspicion. This report demonstrates that with adequate decompression and appropriate antimicrobial treatment a good outcome is achievable.
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