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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review
04:33

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Published on: November 8, 2024

A rare etiology of cauda equina syndrome

Sumit Batra1, Sumit Arora, Hemant Meshram

  • 1Central Institute of Orthopaedics, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Associated Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. sumitbatra104@rediffmail.com

Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
|February 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Spinal aspergillosis presenting as cauda equina syndrome is rare in immunocompetent patients. This case highlights successful surgical and antifungal treatment for this unusual fungal spine infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Spinal epidural abscesses are uncommon, particularly fungal infections.
  • Cauda equina syndrome typically results from disc prolapse or tuberculosis in immunocompetent individuals.
  • Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic pathogen rarely implicated in spinal infections.

Observation:

  • A case of acute cauda equina syndrome in an immunocompetent patient was observed.
  • The patient presented with symptoms mimicking common spinal pathologies.
  • Diagnostic investigations revealed a spinal epidural abscess caused by Aspergillus fumigatus.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported case of spinal aspergillosis presenting as cauda equina syndrome in an immunocompetent patient.
  • The patient underwent surgical decompression for abscess removal.
  • Treatment with oral itraconazole was initiated for the fungal infection.

Implications:

  • This case expands the differential diagnosis for cauda equina syndrome in immunocompetent individuals.
  • Early diagnosis and combined surgical and antifungal therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • Highlights the potential for Aspergillus species to cause invasive spinal infections even in non-immunocompromised hosts.

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