EXTENSIVE SPINAL EPIDURAL ABSCESS
Abstract
Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare clinical entity associated with a high morbidity andmortality. It usually spans 3-4 levels. The literature contains very few reports of extensive or
panspinal epidural abscesses and hence there is no consensus on management of such cases. We
describe a case of 56 years old male presenting with a posteriorly located SEA extending from the
Foramen Magnum to thoracolumbar junction. The abscess had led to quadriparesis for the last 24
hours. This abscess was treated operatively by performing noncontiguous minimally invasive
decompressions of the cervical and thoracic spine. The patient showed progressive improvement
in neurologic status and was walking with minimal support at 4 months of follow-up.
Keywords: Epidural; Abscess; Paralysis; Thoracic; Laminectomy; Ambulation.
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