EXTENSIVE SPINAL EPIDURAL ABSCESS

Authors

  • Salman Riaz
  • James K. Mahmood

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 orpanspinal epidural abscesses and hence there is no consensus on management of such cases. Wedescribe a case of 56 years old male presenting with a posteriorly located SEA extending from theForamen Magnum to thoracolumbar junction. The abscess had led to quadriparesis for the last 24hours. This abscess was treated operatively by performing noncontiguous minimally invasivedecompressions of the cervical and thoracic spine. The patient showed progressive improvementin 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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Issue

Vol. 19 No. 2 (2007): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

Section

CASE REPORT

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