Abstract
Epidural abscess is an uncommon infectious disease. Cervical spine is the least frequent site of spinal epidural abscess (SEA). We presented a rare case of cervical epidural abscess in a 70-year-old patient with no predisposing condition secondary to soft tissue abscess formation. The clinical presentation included fever; neck pain and symptoms of spinal cord compression. Leukocyte count and erythrocyte sedimentation rates were elevated. Computed tomography (CT) showed air within the spinal canal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an epidural mass at C2–C7 with low signal intensity on T1 weighted, high signal intensity on T2 weighted and ring-like enhancement with gadolinium. The lesion communicated through a narrow neck with an extra spinal postvertebral mass. Diagnosis was confirmed during operation. Laminectomy was performed and an encapsulated abscess with epidural and extra spinal component containing yellowish pus was totally removed. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in a culture of the epidural pus. MRI is the study of choice in the evaluation of infectious diseases of the spinal cord and spinal column since it allows direct visualization of paraspinal musculature.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call