Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2015 Jul-Sep;5(3):e76.
doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.N.00253.

Intradural Extension of a Pyogenic Epidural Abscess: A Case Report

Philip J Rosinsky  1 , Oren Zimhony, Pnina Ciobotaro, Shaul Sagiv, Peleg Ben-Galim
Affiliations

Intradural Extension of a Pyogenic Epidural Abscess: A Case Report

Philip J Rosinsky et al. JBJS Case Connect. 2015 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Case: Few cases of spinal epidural abscess involving an extradural abscess with an intradural extension have been reported. A unique complication with extension of pus from the epidural space through multiple perforations into the dura is described. Due to a proximal meningeal inflammatory reaction, which served as a proximal plug, no cerebrospinal fluid leak was encountered.

Conclusion: Intradural extension of pus through multiple dural perforations is a rare complication of spinal epidural abscess and a treatment challenge. Early diagnosis enabling prompt surgical decompression, along with subsequent aggressive debridements and prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment, can lead to a favorable outcome.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Vural M, Arslantaş A, Adapinar B, Kiremitçi A, Usluer G, Cuong B, Atasoy MA. Spinal subdural Staphylococcus aureus abscess: case report and review of the literature. Acta Neurol Scand. 2005 Nov;112(5):343-6.
    1. Kulkarni AG, Chu G, Fehlings MG. Pyogenic intradural abscess: a case report. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2007 May 20;32(12):E354-7.
    1. Davis DP, Salazar A, Chan TC, Vilke GM. Prospective evaluation of a clinical decision guideline to diagnose spinal epidural abscess in patients who present to the emergency department with spine pain. J Neurosurg Spine. 2011 Jun;14(6):765-70. Epub 2011 Mar 18.
    1. Tang HJ, Lin HJ, Liu YC, Li CM. Spinal epidural abscess—experience with 46 patients and evaluation of prognostic factors. J Infect. 2002 Aug;45(2):76-81.
    1. Levy ML, Wieder BH, Schneider J, Zee CS, Weiss MH. Subdural empyema of the cervical spine: clinicopathological correlates and magnetic resonance imaging. Report of three cases. J Neurosurg. 1993 Dec;79(6):929-35.

LinkOut - more resources