Extensive epidural abscess with surgical treatment and long term follow up

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Spinal epidural abscess is an uncommon infection. There are few reports on extensive epidural abscesses. PURPOSE: We report a case of an epidural abscess extending from C2 to the sacrum, with a longterm follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: A case report of an extensive epidural abscess with surgical treatment. METHODS: A 36-year-old male patient presented with a history of 15 days of fever and severe lumbar and neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed an epidural abscess extending from C2 to the sacrum. Limited laminectomies were performed in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, and pus was obtained. A peptostreptococus grew in Cultures. The patient received 6 weeks of antibiotics. RESULTS: The infection was successfully treated, and no neurological deficit was observed. The patient continued asymptomatic 5 years after surgery, and no deformity has developed. CONCLUSIONS: A case of an extensive epidural abscess was successfully treated with limited laminectomies and antibiotics. This less invasive technique could treat the infection, and no late deformity has been observed. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.