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Review
. 1998 Aug;65(2):209-12.
doi: 10.1136/jnnp.65.2.209.

Spinal epidural abscess: the importance of early diagnosis and treatment

A R Mackenzie  1 , R B Laing, C C Smith, G F Kaar, F W Smith
Affiliations
Review

Spinal epidural abscess: the importance of early diagnosis and treatment

A R Mackenzie et al. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1998 Aug.

Abstract

Objectives: To remind clinicians of the dangers of delayed diagnosis and the importance of early treatment of spinal epidural abscess.

Methods: A review of the literature on spinal epidural abscess and a comparison of the published literature with local experience.

Results: Imaging with MRI or CT enables early diagnosis of spinal epidural abcess and optimal therapy is surgical evacuation combined with 6-12 weeks (median 8 weeks) of antimicrobial chemotherapy. Clinical features are fever, pain, and focal neurological signs and may be associated with preceding and pre-existing bone or joint disease. The commonest aetiological organism is S aureus.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and appropriate early antimicrobial chemotherapy with surgery is associated with an excellent prognosis.

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