Related Experiment Videos
Cervical discitis associated with spinal epidural abscess caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus
Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica
|January 1, 1996
Summary
A patient developed quadriplegia after surgery due to cervical discitis and spinal epidural abscess, mimicking disc herniation on MRI. Prompt diagnosis and treatment led to improvement.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Disease
- Radiology
Background:
- Post-operative complications can present with diverse neurological symptoms.
- Cervical spine infections require prompt diagnosis and management to prevent severe neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old male presented with fever, neck pain, and sore throat post-sigmoidectomy, followed by sudden quadriplegia.
- Initial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging suggested C5-6 intervertebral disc herniation.
Findings:
- Anterior discectomy revealed cervical discitis with a spinal epidural abscess, not a herniated disc.
- Continuous pus drainage and antibiotic therapy resulted in neurological improvement.
Implications:
- MR imaging with gadolinium is crucial for diagnosing pyogenic spinal infections.
- Differentiating spinal epidural abscess with discitis from disc herniation is critical, emphasizing the importance of axial MR views.
- Early recognition and intervention are key for favorable outcomes in spinal epidural abscess cases.