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Updated: May 25, 2026
05:53
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Intramedullary spinal cord abscess masquerading as spinal tumor
Mukul Aggarwal1, K C Aggarwal, Karamchand
1Department of Pediatrics, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Indian Pediatrics
|January 19, 2012
Summary
A pediatric spinal abscess caused acute paraparesis in a 5-year-old girl. Surgical decompression and antibiotics led to a full recovery, highlighting effective treatment for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Spinal cord abscesses are rare, particularly in children, presenting diagnostic challenges.
- Intramedullary spinal lesions require prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old female presented with sudden onset paraparesis and sensory loss.
- Spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealed an exophytic intramedullary mass at the T12-L1 level.
Findings:
- Intraoperative findings confirmed the mass as a spinal abscess.
- Histopathological analysis supported the diagnosis of a spinal abscess.
Implications:
- Early surgical decompression and targeted antibiotic therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric spinal abscesses.
- This case underscores the importance of considering infectious etiologies for acute spinal cord lesions in children.
- Prompt management can reverse neurological deficits and improve quality of life.
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