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Myelitis and toxic, inflammatory, and infectious disorders
1University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic, Department of Neurology, Minneapolis 55455-0323.
Current Opinion in Neurology and Neurosurgery
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Spinal epidural abscesses, a rare infection, are typically managed surgically. This review examines the controversial use of medical therapy alone for spinal epidural abscesses and related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare but serious infection.
- Current standard treatment involves surgical intervention and antibiotics.
- Conservative medical management alone is an area of ongoing debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on spinal epidural abscesses.
- To discuss the controversy surrounding non-surgical treatment of SEA.
- To briefly cover related topics including HTLV-1, MRI in intramedullary abscesses, and transverse myelitis treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent series on spinal epidural abscess.
- Discussion of clinical and pathogenetic data for human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1).
- Brief review of diagnostic imaging and treatment modalities for related neurological conditions.
Main Results:
- Evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of medical therapy alone for SEA is reviewed.
- Recent data on HTLV-1 infection and its neurological manifestations are presented.
- The role of MRI in diagnosing intramedullary abscesses and specific treatments for transverse myelitis are discussed.
Conclusions:
- The optimal management strategy for spinal epidural abscesses remains a subject of discussion.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of medical therapy alone in select SEA cases.
- Understanding related neurological conditions enhances comprehensive patient care.