Diagnosis Of Spinal Epidural Abscess Research Articles

Disseminating MSSA Infection in a Preterm Infant With Rare Finding of Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Case Report.

Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) occurs more frequently in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and can result in comparable morbidity and mortality in the neonatal population. MSSA infection may present as pustulosis or cellulitis and evolve into bacteremia, pneumonia, endocarditis, brain abscesses, and osteomyelitis. There is a paucity of literature regarding the treatment and long-term outcomes in the premature infant. A 32-week twin developed MSSA sepsis with presentation of pain, decreased movement of upper extremities, and global hypotonia. Blood cultures remained positive despite antibiotic coverage. The infant was admitted to the level IV NICU with the diagnosis of MSSA bacteremia, with concern for dissemination and osteomyelitis. Diagnostic studies included laboratory testing for sepsis evaluation, radiologic studies to evaluate for dissemination, immunologic testing to rule out complement deficiency, and hematology testing to rule out hypercoagulable conditions. Diagnostic testing showed extensive cellulitis, osteomyelitis, multiple liver abscesses, and epidural abscesses suggestive of spinal epidural abscess (SEA). Abscess debridement and irrigation on the left distal femur, left elbow, and right tibia were performed. The infant completed 8 weeks of IV antibiotic therapy. Immunologic and hematology testing was within normal limits. Prompt recognition and follow-up for clinical signs of sepsis are vital when caring for premature infants. Inclusion of pediatric subspecialist recommendations to assure all diagnostic studies and treatments are completed can significantly impact the patient's outcome. Long-term follow-up is needed for premature infants with the diagnosis of SEA.

Early Reduction in C-Reactive Protein Following Treatment for Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Potential Treatment Guide.

Retrospective Cohort Study. To assess the predictive value of early C-reactive protein (CRP) trends following diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess (SEA). Non-operative management with intravenous antibiotics has not demonstrated equivalent outcomes with regard to mortality and morbidity. Knowledge of specific patient and disease factors associated with worse outcomes may predict treatment failure. All patients treated for spontaneous SEA in a tertiary centre in New Zealand over a 10-year period were followed for at least 2years. CRP at diagnosis and day 4-5 following treatment initiation was analyzed to determine predictors of CRP reduction of at least 50%. Proportional Cox hazards regression investigated mortality over 2years. 94 patients met inclusion criteria and with CRP values available for analysis. Median age was 62years (+/- 17.7) and 59 (63%) were treated operatively. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimate of 2-year survival was .81 (95% CI .72-.88). CRP reduction by 50% was seen in 34 patients. Patients who did not experience a 50% reduction were more likely to have thoracic infection (27 vs 8, P = .02) or multifocal sepsis (41 vs 13, P = .002). Failure to achieve a 50% reduction by day 4-5 was associated with worse post-treatment Karnofsky scores (70 vs 90, P = .03) and longer hospital stay (25days vs 17.5days, P = .04). Cox regression model showed mortality predicted by Charlson Comorbidity Index, thoracic location of infection, pre-treatment Karnofsky score, and failure to achieve a 50% CRP reduction by day 4-5. Patients who fail to reduce CRP values by 50% at day 4-5 following treatment initiation are more likely to experience prolonged hospital stay, have poorer functional outcome and have greater mortality risk at 2years. This group has severe illness regardless of treatment type. Failure to achieve a biochemical response to treatment should prompt reassessment.

283 Incidence of and Patient Characteristics Associated With Potential Delays in Diagnosis of Spinal Epidural Abscess

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition with increasing incidence over the past decade, that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to avoid permanent and devastating neurologic disability. The diagnostic gold standard, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be difficult to obtain emergently. Though many risk factors have been described in case series, diagnostic delays are common and a source of malpractice claims. We sought to describe the incidence of and patient characteristics associated with potential delays in diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess (SEA).

Spontaneous Pan-Vertebral Epidural Abscesses Caused by Streptococcus Intermedius in an Immunocompetent Patient

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rarely reported condition. Here, we present a unique case of a 54-year-old immunocompetent man who developed worsening lower back pain of 2 weeks duration. A full spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed with contrast. This showed extensive epidural abscess extending from C2 to S2, more extensive around L5-S2, with left paraspinal, left iliopsoas and right psoas abscess confirming the diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess of the spine. Blood cultures grew Streptococcus intermedius, an anaerobic commensal bacterium of the normal flora of the mouth and upper airways. The patient was treated conservatively with intravenous Ceftriaxone 2g and oral Rifampicin 600mg. He was discharged on those medication for 10 weeks. There was remarkable improvement in his symptoms as he retained his baseline strength in his lower extremity and has regained function to the extent that he is independent with his activities of daily living. A high index of clinical suspicion and a low threshold of appropriate imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) being the gold standard, are important for accurate diagnosis. Though our patient was treated Medically, Prompt medical and surgical treatment may avert complications, and although the patient presented made a complete recovery, patients may be left with neurological deficits.

Primary Spinal Epidural Abscesses Not Associated With Pyogenic Infectious Spondylodiscitis: A New Pathogenetic Hypothesis.

Introduction: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) incidence is rising. However, most series do not differentiate between SEAs associated with pyogenic infectious spondylodiscitis (PS) and SEAs limited to the epidural space.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records and radiological images of all patients admitted to our institutions with a diagnosis of SEA not associated with PS between January 2013 and December 2018.Results: We found three males and four females; five of the seven were intravenous drug users. All patients presented with pain: in six, it was associated with acute motor and sensory deficits, while one had only pain and paresthesias. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from abscesses and/or from multiple blood cultures in four patients. Abscesses were localized to the cervical spine in one patient, thoracic in three, lumbar in one, and in two, the SEAs involved multiple segments. All patients but one underwent urgent open surgery. This patient had a multisegmental abscess and was successfully treated by percutaneous aspiration when pain became intractable. After abscess evacuation, the neurological deficits improved in all patients except one. The patients that were treated without spine instrumentation did not develop delayed kyphosis or instability at follow-up.Conclusion: Patients with SEAs not associated with PS are likely to present with pain and motor deficits, appear to benefit from urgent abscess evacuation, and seem to be less dependent on spine instrumentation to avoid delayed spinal deformities compared to SEA associated with PS. Finally, the lack of initial involvement of bone and intervertebral disks may suggest that at least some of the SEAs without PS originate from infection of epidural lymphatic vessels that are not present inside those structures.

Spinal Epidural Abscess in Patients with Sepsis Who Experienced Significant Improvements after Complete Paralysis: Two Case Reports

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition, and a delay in its diagnosis causes paralysis. In this study, we report two rare cases of delayed diagnosis of SEA whose conditions improved after a state of complete paralysis. The first case was a 71-year-old diabetic man who received a corticosteroid injection for shoulder pain that caused intensified pain. Thereafter, the patient developed paralysis of both legs in stage IV according to Heusner staging. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with multiple abscesses and sepsis. He was in a poor state of health. Therefore, we treated his epidural abscess conservatively. After a month, his muscle strength had improved to Heusner stage III-A, and he was transferred to another hospital. The second case was a 64-year-old diabetic man who received an epidural corticosteroid injection for lower back pain. However, the pain intensified and was admitted to the hospital for pyelonephritis. He developed paralysis in both of his arms and legs presenting as a Heusner stage IV, caused by a cervical epidural abscess. A laminoplasty was performed and paralysis was improved. However, the patient subsequently developed a left subcortical hemorrhage. He underwent surgery. However, his right hemiplegia persisted, and on Day 21, he was transferred back to the previous hospital with a Heusner III-A. We could improve the patients’ paralysis by cooperating closely with infectious disease specialists and spine surgeons, taking intensive care, applying antibacterial agents appropriately, and operating quickly.

Spinal epidural abscess successfully treated with biportal endoscopic spinal surgery.

Surgical decompression and antibiotic therapy are the treatments of choice for patients with spinal epidural abscess (SEA). Surgical treatment included decompression, evacuation of abscess, and debridement. Recently, minimal invasive surgery has been introduced more widely, and biportal endoscopic spinal surgery have shown satisfactory clinical outcomes compared with traditional open surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of biportal endoscopic spinal surgery for the treatment of SEA .From January 2016 to June 2017, 13 patients who underwent biportal endoscopic spinal surgery under the diagnosis of SEA were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The surgical indications of the enrolled patients included SEA with or without early stage spondylodiscitis who had neurological symptoms. Periopertaive data and clinical outcomes were assessed by regular serologic testing, imaging studies, physical examination, visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index and modified Macnab criteria.Offending pathogens were identified in seven (54%) of 13 biopsy specimens. Appropriate intravenous antibiotics for the identified pathogens isolated from infected tissue biopsy cultures were administrated to patients for at least 30 days. All patients reported satisfactory relief of pain and neurological symptoms after surgery. No surgery-related complications and recurrences were found after 2 years follow up.Biportal endoscopic spinal surgery may be an effective alternative to traditional open surgical decompression for the treatment of SEA.

Predictors of Failure for Nonoperative Management of Spinal Epidural Abscess.

Study Design:Retrospective cohort study.Objectives:The aim of this study is to identify predictive factors associated with failure of nonoperative management of spinal epidural abscess (SEA).Methods:Between January 2007 and January 2017, there were 97 patients 18 years or older treated for SEA at a tertiary referral center. Of these, 58 were initially managed nonoperatively. Details on presenting complaint, laboratory parameters, radiographic evaluation, demographics, comorbidities, and neurologic status (Frankel grades A-E) were collected. Success of treatment was defined as eradication of infection with no requirement for further antimicrobial therapy. Diagnosis of SEA was made via evaluation of imaging and intraoperative findings. Patients with repeat presentation of SEA, children, and those who were transferred for immediate surgical decompression were excluded.Results:Fifty-eight patients initially treated nonoperatively were included. Of these, 21 failed nonoperative management and required surgical intervention. The mean age was 60 years, 66% male, and 19% of Maori ethnicity. Abscess location was predominantly dorsal, and in the lumbar region (53%). Multivariate analysis identified Maori ethnicity, multifocal sepsis, and elevated white cell count as predictors of failure of nonoperative management. With 1 predictor the risk of failure was 44%. In the presence of 2 predictive variables, failure rate increased to 60%, and if all 3 variables were present, patients had a 75% risk of failure.Conclusion:Thirty-six percent of patients treated nonoperatively failed nonoperative management—the failure rate was significantly increased in patients with multifocal sepsis, in patients with elevated white cell count, and in patients of Maori ethnicity.

Spinal epidural abscess caused by Pasteurella multocida mimicking aortic dissection: a case report

BackgroundPasteurella multocida (P. multocida) forms part of the normal flora of many animals. Although it is a common causative agent of skin and soft tissue infection after an animal bite or scratch, in rare cases it can cause spinal infections in humans.Case presentationA 68-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with fever and sudden onset of severe back pain mimicking aortic dissection. No findings related to the pain were revealed on enhanced computed tomography or initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine. The patient was found to be bacteremic with P. multocida, although she had no apparent injury related to animal contact. Repeated evaluation by MRI with gadolinium-contrast established the diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess. The patient was cured by the rapid initiation of antimicrobial therapy without surgery.ConclusionsWe describe the successful treatment of an individual with a spinal epidural abscess due to P. multocida without surgery. P. multocida infections may occur as sudden presentations. Obtaining the patient history of recent animal contact is essential. Repeated MRI evaluation may be required when spinal infections are suspected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report which describes a case of spinal epidural abscess due to this organism.

30-day Mortality Following Surgery for Spinal Epidural Abscess: Incidence, Risk Factors, Predictive Algorithm, and Associated Complications.

Retrospective case-control study. To determine incidence and timing of mortality following surgery for spinal epidural abscess (SEA), identify risk factors for mortality, and identify complications associated with mortality. SEA is a serious condition with potentially devastating sequelae. There is a paucity of literature characterizing mortality following surgery for SEA. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used. Patients with a diagnosis of SEA were included. A Cox proportional hazards model identified independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. A predictive model for mortality was created. Multivariate models identified postoperative complications associated with mortality. There were 1094 patients included, with 40 cases of mortality (3.7%), the majority of which occurred within 2 weeks postoperatively (70%). Independent risk factors for 30-day mortality were age>60 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.147, P = 0.027), diabetes (HR: 2.242, P = 0.015), respiratory comorbidities (HR: 2.416, P = 0.037), renal comorbidities (HR: 2.556, P = 0.022), disseminated cancer (HR: 5.219, P = 0.001), and preoperative thrombocytopenia (HR: 3.276, P = 0.001). A predictive algorithm predicts a 0.3% mortality for zero risk factors up to 37.5% for 4 or more risk factors. A ROC area under curve (AUC) was 0.761, signifying a fair predictor (95% CI: 0.683-0.839, P < 0.001). Cardiac arrest (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 72.240, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.8-187.721, P < 0.001), septic shock (aOR: 15.382, 95% CI: 7.604-31.115, P < 0.001), and pneumonia (aOR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.109-7.275, P = 0.03) were independently associated with mortality. The 30-day mortality rate following surgery for SEA was 3.7%. Of the mortalities that occurred within 30 days of surgery, the majority occurred within 2 weeks. Independent risk factors for mortality included older age, diabetes, hypertension, respiratory comorbidities, renal comorbidities, metastatic cancer, and thrombocytopenia. Risk for mortality ranged from 0.3% to 37.5% based on number of risk factors. Septic shock, cardiac arrest, and pneumonia were associated with mortality. 3.

Poster 334: Delayed Diagnosis of Spinal Epidural Abscess in a Chronic Pain Patient: A Case Report

PM&RVolume 10, Issue 9S1 p. S111-S111 Poster 334: Delayed Diagnosis of Spinal Epidural Abscess in a Chronic Pain Patient: A Case Report Matthew Moore DO, Matthew Moore DO Nassau University Medical Center PM&R Pr, Port Washington, NY, United StatesSearch for more papers by this authorLincy Thadathil DO, Lincy Thadathil DOSearch for more papers by this authorAdam Isaacson MD, Adam Isaacson MDSearch for more papers by this authorLyn D. Weiss MD, Lyn D. Weiss MDSearch for more papers by this author Matthew Moore DO, Matthew Moore DO Nassau University Medical Center PM&R Pr, Port Washington, NY, United StatesSearch for more papers by this authorLincy Thadathil DO, Lincy Thadathil DOSearch for more papers by this authorAdam Isaacson MD, Adam Isaacson MDSearch for more papers by this authorLyn D. Weiss MD, Lyn D. Weiss MDSearch for more papers by this author First published: 26 September 2018 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2018.08.346Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume10, Issue9S12018 AAPM&R Annual Assembly AbstractsSeptember 2018Pages S111-S111 RelatedInformation

Development of Predictive Algorithms for Pre-Treatment Motor Deficit and 90-Day Mortality in Spinal Epidural Abscess.

Spinal epidural abscess is a high-risk condition that can lead to paralysis or death. It would be of clinical and prognostic utility to identify which subset of patients with spinal epidural abscess is likely to develop a motor deficit or die within 90 days of discharge. We identified all patients ≥18 years of age who were admitted to our hospital system with a diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess during the period of 1993 to 2016. Explanatory variables were collected retrospectively. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed using these variables to identify independent predictors of motor deficit and 90-day mortality. Nomograms were then constructed to quantify the risk of these outcomes. Of the 1,053 patients we identified with spinal epidural abscess, 362 presented with motor weakness. One hundred and thirty-four patients died within 90 days of discharge, inclusive of those who died during hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression yielded 8 independent predictors of pre-treatment motor deficit and 8 independent predictors of 90-day mortality. We constructed nomograms that generated a probability of pre-treatment motor deficit or 90-day mortality on the basis of the presence of these factors. By quantifying the risk of pre-treatment motor deficit and 90-day mortality, our nomograms may provide useful prognostic information for the treatment team. Timely treatment of neurologically intact patients with a high risk of developing a motor deficit is necessary to avoid residual motor weakness and improve survival. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of Levels of Evidence.

Diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess: a case report and literature review.

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare but serious cause of back pain in the critical care setting. It occurs most commonly in adults in their fifth and sixth decades of life. Risk factors include diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, AIDS or other immunocompromised states, cancer, intravenous drug use, trauma and spinal surgery. The clinical presentation can be non-specific but the classical triad includes back pain, fever and neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium is the diagnostic imaging modality of choice. Here we report a case of SEA in a 63-year-old man with type II diabetes who presented with severe low back pain. He was found to have SEA likely secondary to a hip joint injection. The diagnosis was delayed due an earlier non-gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the spine showing no epidural abscess. This case stresses the need for the definitive diagnostic study, MRI with gadolinium, in patients whose SEA is high on the list of differential diagnoses.

Errors in Diagnosis of Spinal Epidural Abscesses in the Era of Electronic Health Records

PurposeWith this study, we set out to identify missed opportunities in diagnosis of spinal epidural abscesses to outline areas for process improvement. MethodsUsing a large national clinical data repository, we identified all patients with a new diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during 2013. Two physicians independently conducted retrospective chart reviews on 250 randomly selected patients and evaluated their records for red flags (eg, unexplained weight loss, neurological deficits, and fever) 90 days prior to diagnosis. Diagnostic errors were defined as missed opportunities to evaluate red flags in a timely or appropriate manner. Reviewers gathered information about process breakdowns related to patient factors, the patient–provider encounter, test performance and interpretation, test follow-up and tracking, and the referral process. Reviewers also determined harm and time lag between red flags and definitive diagnoses. ResultsOf 250 patients, 119 had a new diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess, 66 (55.5%) of which experienced diagnostic error. Median time to diagnosis in error cases was 12 days, compared with 4 days in cases without error (P <.01). Red flags that were frequently not evaluated in error cases included unexplained fever (n = 57; 86.4%), focal neurological deficits with progressive or disabling symptoms (n = 54; 81.8%), and active infection (n = 54; 81.8%). Most errors involved breakdowns during the patient–provider encounter (n = 60; 90.1%), including failures in information gathering/integration, and were associated with temporary harm (n = 43; 65.2%). ConclusionDespite wide availability of clinical data, errors in diagnosis of spinal epidural abscesses are common and involve inadequate history, physical examination, and test ordering. Solutions should include renewed attention to basic clinical skills.

Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Review with Special Emphasis on Earlier Diagnosis.

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon but serious condition with significant morbidity and mortality. The prognosis of SEA is highly dependent on the timeliness of its diagnosis before neurological deficits develop. Unfortunately, often due to its nonspecific presentation, such as back pain, the diagnosis of SEA may be delayed in up to 75% of cases. Although many risk factors for SEA can be found in the published literature, their utility is limited by their frequent lack of objective evidence, numerousness, and absence in a significant proportion of cases. In this review, we call for a more discriminate evidence-based use of the term “risk factor” when discussing SEA and explore several approaches to its earlier diagnosis, including a simple algorithm based on its pathophysiology and serum C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Evaluation and management of spinal epidural abscess.

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon and potentially catastrophic condition. SEA often presents a diagnostic challenge, as the "classic triad" of fever, spinal pain, and neurological deficit is evident in only a minority of patients. When diagnosis is delayed, irreversible neurological damage may ensue. To minimize morbidity, an appropriate level of suspicion and an understanding of the diagnostic evaluation are essential. Infection should be suspected in patients presenting with axial pain, fever, or elevated inflammatory markers. Although patients with no known risk factors can develop SEA, clinical concern should be heightened in the presence of diabetes, intravenous drug use, chronic renal failure, immunosuppressant therapy, or a recent invasive spine procedure. When the clinical profile is consistent with the diagnosis of SEA, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal column should be obtained on an emergent basis to delineate the location and neural compressive effect of the abscess. Rapid diagnosis allows for efficient treatment, which optimizes the potential for a positive outcome.

English

Spinal epidural abscess due to its varied presentation, poses a great challenge, more so in a healthy adult, without any predisposing factors. Early diagnosis and treatment is paramount, as late diagnosis and delayed treatment result in increased mortality and morbidity. In this case report, we are presenting a case of spinal extradural abscess in a healthy young adult without predisposing factors, provisionally diagnosed as extradural hematoma and early surgical intervention confirmed the diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess and prevented any devastating consequence.

Pediatric Spinal Epidural Abscess: A 9-Year Institutional Review and Review of the Literature

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition that requires prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment for optimal outcome. Treatment generally consists of surgical intervention and systemic antibiotics. We present 1 of the largest cohorts of nontuberculous pediatric SEA in the English literature, emphasizing the outcomes of conservative (ie, nonoperative) management. We retrospectively identified 9 pediatric patients (≤18 years of age) with SEAs at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital from 2002 to 2011. Cases were reviewed for demographic, clinical, diagnostic, and treatment characteristics and outcomes. The diagnosis of SEA was made by MRI in all cases, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the only identified pathogen, isolated via blood culture in 6 of 9 patients. Although every patient received systemic antibiotics, only 2 had neurosurgical intervention. Four of the 7 patients treated conservatively received computed tomography-guided needle drainage. All patients recovered without significant sequelae. SEA is a potentially fatal illness that necessitates a heightened clinical awareness for diagnosis and treatment. Although official recommendations regarding management in pediatrics are lacking, treatment has generally been surgical decompression and drainage in combination with antibiotics; recent reports have suggested that antibiotic therapy alone may be successful in select patient populations. Although the adult literature has suggested that such management can be trialed in specific situations, only a handful of cases in the pediatric literature have reported this nonoperative approach. We present one of the largest reviews in support of successfully treating SEA with nonsurgical therapy.

Insidious Onset of Tetraparesis due to Cervical Epidural Abscess fromEnterococcus faecalis

We report a case of cervical epidural abscess from Enterococcus faecalis, which caused an insidious onset of tetraparesis. This 53-year-old female with a history of diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure under hemodialysis presented with pain and progressive weakness of upper and lower extremities without fever. Although a recent MRI she did at the beginning of symptoms showed no significant pathologies, except for a cervical disc herniation and adjacent spinal degeneration, and stenosis that confused the diagnostic procedure, newer imaging with CT and MRI, which was performed due to progression of tetraparesis, revealed the formation of a cervical epidural abscess. Surgical drainage was done after a complete infection workup. The patient showed immediate neurological improvement after surgery. She received antibiotics intravenously for 3 weeks and orally for another 6 weeks. The patient was free from complications 24 months after surgery. A high index of suspicion is most important in making a rapid and correct diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess. The classic clinical triad (fever, local pain, and neurologic deficits) is not sensitive enough for early detection. Continuous clinical, laboratory, and imaging monitoring are of paramount importance. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention could optimize the final functional outcome.

Spinal epidural abscess caused by Bacteroides fragilis group after dilation and curettage for incomplete abortion

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare infection complicated in patients who have some risk factors such as injection-drug use, diabetes mellitus, and several illnesses. However, no case of SEA associated with abortion has been reported. Here we report a case of SEA in a 30-year-old woman after dilation and curettage for incomplete abortion. The diagnosis of SEA was done by MRI and pus was drained after the cervical discectomy. Bacteroides fragilis group was cultured from the aspirated pus sample. The patient responded to surgical drainage and antibiotics.