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Spinal epidural abscess: a rapidly progressive disease.

R P Mooney¹, R S Hockberger

¹Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance 90509.

Annals of Emergency Medicine

|October 1, 1987

Summary

A spinal epidural abscess caused severe back pain and neurological issues in a diabetic patient. Prompt diagnosis and surgical drainage were crucial, though some weakness persisted, necessitating physical therapy.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Infectious Diseases
Neurosurgery

Background:

Spinal epidural abscesses are serious infections that can lead to rapid neurological deterioration.
Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for various infections, including those affecting the spine.

Observation:

A 42-year-old diabetic patient presented with acute low back pain and radicular symptoms after exertion.
The patient developed signs of spinal cord compression within days, indicating a rapidly progressing condition.

Findings:

Diagnostic imaging, including myelography and computed tomography (CT) scan, confirmed a large posterior epidural abscess.
Surgical drainage of the abscess was performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Implications:

Early recognition and intervention are critical for managing spinal epidural abscesses to prevent permanent neurological deficits.
Despite successful drainage, residual weakness highlights the potential long-term consequences and the importance of rehabilitation.

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