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. 2013 Feb;27(1):38-41.

Adolescence spinal epidural abscess with neurological symptoms: case report, a lesson to be re-learnt

Jafar Ganjpour Sales  1 , Ali Tabrizi, Asghar Elmi, Jafar Soleimanpour, Ehsan Gavidel
Affiliations

Adolescence spinal epidural abscess with neurological symptoms: case report, a lesson to be re-learnt

Jafar Ganjpour Sales et al. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

Epidural abscess of the spinal column is a rare condition that can be fatal if left untreated. It promptly progresses and can cause neurologic paralysis, urinary retention or cauda equina syndrome. Compromised immune system that occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus, AIDS, chronic renal failure, alcoholism, or cancer is a predisposing factor. It mostly occurs in adults. Here we would like to report a case of spontaneous pyogenic lumbar epidural abscess with neurological deficit diagnosed in a 15 year old boy. We treated this case successfully with surgical microscopic decompression and drainage.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Spinal epidural abscess; Spinal infection; Spinal surgery.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Lateral lumbosacral radiography of the 15 year old boy presented.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of lumbar vertebra detected an intensity in paralumbar of L2 and L3 (arrow).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Canal stenosis and compressed cauda equina in MRI due to spinal epidural abscess.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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