Neurol. praxi. 2009;10(4):263-264

Options of surgical treatment of spinal epidural abscess

MUDr. Mgr. Daniel Žingor, mim. prof. MUDr. Bruno Rudinský CSc, MUDr. Miloš Lampert

Neurochirurgická klinika SZÚ, FNsP Nové Zámky

Spinal epidural abscess is a very rare condition that may, in the case of delayed diagnosis and intervention, result in a serious or even

permanent disability of the patient. In 2007, two patients were managed at the Department of Neurosurgery in Nové Zámky. Based on

a comprehensive examination including neurological, radiological and laboratory studies, severe lower limb paraparesis/plegia was found

which evolved within 24–48 hours with accompanying fever and elevated inflammatory markers (sedimentation rate, leukocytosis, elevated

CRP). Magnetic resonance imaging showed a collection in the epidural space of the thoracic spine with compression of the spinal cord.

Given the significant motor deficit, an urgent surgical procedure was decided upon with the aim of decompression of the neural structures

and evacuation of pus, which resulted in reducing and/or resolving the permanent disability. Despite its low incidence, the diagnosis of

spinal epidural abscess needs to be kept in mind during the differential diagnostic process for a rapidly developing neurological deficit.

Keywords: spinal epidural abscess, laminectomy, decompression.

Published: September 1, 2009  Show citation