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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
12:18
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Spontaneous methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus epidural abscess in pregnancy
Brendan D Connealy1, Todd R Lovgren, Paul G Tomich
1From the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; and Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 29, 2010
Summary
Spontaneous epidural abscess, a rare condition, can occur during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and intervention, aided by symptoms like Horner syndrome, led to successful treatment and a positive pregnancy outcome.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Obstetrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Epidural abscess is a rare complication of regional anesthesia.
- Spontaneous epidural abscess formation is uncommon, with risk factors including diabetes, infection, IV drug use, and immunosuppression.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old pregnant woman at 28 weeks gestation presented with headache and Horner syndrome.
- Cervicothoracic epidural abscess was diagnosed in the patient.
Findings:
- Surgical decompression and antibiotics resolved neurologic symptoms.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was identified in cultures.
Implications:
- Spontaneous epidural abscess diagnosis is often delayed.
- Horner syndrome can be an indicator for spinal imaging.
- Prompt intervention is crucial for favorable neurologic and pregnancy outcomes.
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