Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
06:23

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis

Published on: May 23, 2021

[Paraplegia associated with intramedullary spinal cord and epidural abcesses, meningitis and spondylodiscitis

J-P Ferroir1, F-X Lescure, C Giannesini

  • 1Service de neurologie, hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, Paris cedex 20, France. jean-pierre.ferroir@tnn.aphp.fr

Revue Neurologique
|May 11, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Spinal cord abscesses, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, can lead to paraplegia. Early surgical drainage and antibiotics are crucial for better outcomes in these rare infections.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Intramedullary spinal cord abscesses are rare neurological infections.
  • Often associated with meningitis and epidural abscesses, leading to paraplegia.
  • Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative organism.

Observation:

  • A case of meningitis with coexisting intramedullary and epidural abscesses is presented.
  • Multiple lesions precluded surgical drainage.
  • Paraplegia persisted despite antibiotic treatment.

Findings:

  • MRI reveals intramedullary collections with characteristic signal intensities on T1 and T2-weighted images.
  • Abscesses show peripheral contrast enhancement on T1-weighted sequences.
  • Adjacent medullary edema is typically extensive.

Implications:

  • Early surgical intervention, when feasible, is critical for managing spinal cord abscesses.
  • Prompt and appropriate antibiotic therapy is essential for favorable prognosis.
  • Multifocal abscesses present significant management challenges.

More Related Videos

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients03:47

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients

Published on: October 25, 2024

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review04:33

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

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology01:14

Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology

Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...