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Chemical epidural abscess: case report.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|June 1, 1971
Summary
Spinal epidural abscesses are usually caused by infection. This case report details a rare non-infective epidural abscess triggered by epidermoid cyst contents, leading to aseptic meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pathology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal epidural abscesses typically arise from infections like vertebral osteomyelitis or bloodstream infections.
- Cutaneous infections can also lead to spinal epidural abscesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document a rare case of non-infective spinal epidural abscess.
- To describe the inflammatory mechanism in this non-infective abscess.
- To highlight the association with aseptic meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Case report documentation.
- Analysis of clinical presentation.
- Review of pathological findings related to epidermoid cyst contents.
Main Results:
- A non-infective spinal epidural abscess developed.
- The abscess was caused by inflammatory reactions to keratin and cholesterol from an underlying epidermoid cyst.
- Aseptic meningitis was a concurrent finding.
Conclusions:
- Spinal epidural abscess can occur without infection, driven by irritant endogenous material.
- Epidermoid cysts are a potential cause of non-infective spinal epidural abscess.
- Non-infective spinal epidural abscess may present with aseptic meningitis.