Acute cervical epidural abscess with concurrent calcium pyrophosphate deposition after cervical spinal surgery: A...

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition that may result in catastrophic outcomes. On the other hand, calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) deposition disease (CPPD) causes inflammatory arthritis. Spinal involvement of a crystal-induced inflammation caused by CPPD is also common. Surgery is a common risk factor for both SEA and CPPD; however, the postoperative acute onset of SEA complicated with CPPD is extremely rare.

A man in his 70s presented to our hospital, complaining of right upper limb weakness, loss of dexterity, and gait disturbance. The diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy was made, and he performed laminectomy at C3, C4, and C5 levels. Four days after the laminectomy, he suffered from acute neck pain, weakness, and hypoesthesia in his arms and legs. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass occupying the dorsal epidural space of C6 and C7, compressing the cervical spinal cord. Considering the acute symptomatology, an acute spinal epidural hematoma after surgery was suspected; therefore, emergency C6 and C7 laminectomy was performed. Surgical findings indicated that the pressure inside the spinal canal was elevated, and the mass was purulent exudate. Pathological examination showed suppurative inflammation with concomitant deposition of CPP. SEA complicated with CPPD was considered; therefore, antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were administered. The motor weakness and hypoesthesia were improved despite a slight residual deficit in his dexterity.

An acute onset of SEA complicated with CPPD after cervical surgery has rarely been reported. The suppurative inflammation fostered by the crystal-induced inflammation may account for the acute symptomatology.