Cryptogenic Epidural Cervicothoracic Abscess: A Case Report and Literature Review

A spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare infection characterized by pus formation in the spinal epidural space, associated with various degrees of motor, sensory, or combined deficits. It is linked to several risk factors and predominantly impacts middle-aged men. This report discusses an atypical case of a patient without any predisposing factors who developed a cervicothoracic SEA associated with significant transverse myelitis. A targeted literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and SpringerLink, employing terms such as "spinal epidural abscess, subdural empyema, and transverse myelitis." While there are numerous studies on this topic with a multidisciplinary approach, reports of cryptogenic SEA associated with the extensive involvement of cervical and thoracic spinal segments are rare. SEA is a very uncommon condition. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of its clinical presentation is crucial for adopting an appropriate diagnostic approach and delivering timely treatment.