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Management of Holospinal Epidural Abscess
Jovanna Tracz1, Brendan Judy1, Timothy Witham1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
World Neurosurgery
|July 21, 2022
Summary
Holospinal epidural abscess (HEA), a rare condition, can cause severe spinal cord compression. This case highlights successful treatment of HEA from Cutibacterium acnes infection using multi-level laminectomies.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Disease
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Holospinal epidural abscess (HEA) is a rare but severe condition characterized by extensive spinal cord compression.
- Prompt neurosurgical intervention is crucial for managing HEA to prevent neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old male presented with symptoms including headache, neck stiffness, and decreased mental acuity.
- The patient was diagnosed with a holospinal epidural abscess attributed to Cutibacterium acnes infection.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful treatment via segmental laminectomies across the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.
- Surgical decompression and drainage effectively managed the extensive spinal cord compression.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the efficacy of multi-level laminectomies in treating extensive holospinal epidural abscesses.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are critical for favorable outcomes in HEA cases.
- Cutibacterium acnes should be considered as a potential pathogen in spinal epidural abscesses.
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