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Spinal epidural abscess with myelitis and meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in a young child

Malobika Bhattacharya1, Neha Joshi

  • 1Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, India. drmalvikab@gmail.com

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
|July 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) in children is rare but serious. Prompt surgical decompression and antibiotics are crucial for limiting neurological deficits, even without typical risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Pediatric neurology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare pediatric emergency.
  • Common predisposing factors include immunosuppression, spinal procedures, and local infections.
  • Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent pathogen identified.

Observation:

  • A 2.5-year-old boy presented with tetraparesis.
  • MRI revealed SEA in the posterior lumbar epidural space with meningitis and myelitis.
  • No local or systemic predisposing factors or prior spinal procedures were identified.

Findings:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from the evacuated pus.
  • This case highlights SEA in a child without typical risk factors.
  • The presentation included significant neurological compromise (tetraparesis, meningitis, myelitis).

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for favorable outcomes in pediatric SEA.
  • Treatment involves surgical decompression and intravenous antibiotics.
  • Aggressive management can mitigate long-term neurological deficits.
Abstract

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