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Rapidly Progressive Gas-containing Lumbar Spinal Epidural Abscess
1Department of Neurosurgery, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea and Dongguk University, Seoul, Korea.
Korean Journal of Spine
|October 30, 2015
Summary
Gas-containing spinal epidural abscesses are rare but serious infections. This case highlights a rapidly progressing lumbar epidural abscess caused by Enterococcus faecalis in a patient with diabetes mellitus.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Gas-containing infections, such as emphysematous infections, are recognized as potentially life-threatening conditions requiring prompt medical and surgical intervention.
- While gas-containing brain abscesses and subdural empyemas have been documented in neurosurgery, gas-containing spinal epidural abscesses are exceedingly rare, with limited understanding of their clinical progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of a rapidly progressive, gas-containing lumbar spinal epidural abscess.
- To describe the clinical presentation and causative organism in this unusual neurosurgical condition.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 72-year-old male patient with diabetes mellitus.
- Clinical evaluation, diagnostic imaging (likely including CT or MRI to identify gas and abscess), and microbiological analysis to identify the pathogen.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with a rapidly progressive gas-containing lumbar spinal epidural abscess.
- Enterococcus faecalis was identified as the causative bacterium.
- The patient's diabetes mellitus was a significant comorbidity.
Conclusions:
- Gas-containing spinal epidural abscesses, though rare, can exhibit rapid progression and pose a significant clinical challenge.
- Early recognition and aggressive management are crucial for favorable outcomes in these rare infections.
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