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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
07:54
Accessing the Subdural Space of the Rodent Spinal Cord for Treatment Delivery
Published on: August 8, 2025
[Spinal subdural abscess in the cervical region: a case report]
Hideyuki Akiyama1, Keiji Kidoguchi, Shigeto Hayashi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Nishi-kobe Medical Center.
No Shinkei Geka. Neurological Surgery
|September 22, 2009
Summary
This study details a rare cervical spinal subdural abscess (SSA) case. Early MRI diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for treating this serious condition and preventing neurological damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Spinal subdural abscesses (SSAs) are uncommon, with most cases occurring in the thoracic or lumbar regions.
- Cervical SSAs are particularly rare but can lead to severe neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old male presented with high fever, back pain, and progressive neurological deficits including hemiparesis and bladder dysfunction, initially diagnosed as meningitis.
- Cervical spine MRI with gadolinium contrast revealed a C4-C6 anterior epidural lesion compressing the spinal cord.
Findings:
- Surgical laminectomy, irrigation, and drainage successfully treated the cervical SSA.
- Staphylococcus aureus was identified as the causative agent; the patient recovered with a 14-week antibiotic course and physical therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare SSA locations in differential diagnoses.
- Prompt MRI and surgical decompression are vital for favorable outcomes in cervical spinal subdural abscesses.
- Multimodal treatment including antibiotics is essential for managing spinal infections.
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