Highlights & Basics
- Spinal epidural abscess is an uncommon condition characterized by inflammation with pus within the epidural space.
- Potential risk factors include intravenous drug use, diabetes mellitus, recent spinal surgery or trauma, indwelling spinal catheter, contiguous local infection, concomitant bacteremia or endocarditis, chronic kidney disease, and immunosuppression (e.g., HIV infection, malignancy). However, a significant proportion of patients do not have an obvious risk factor.
- Classic features are back pain and fever, with the potential for development of neurologic deficit, but presentations vary.
- Treatment includes intravenous antibiotics. Surgical decompression is required for patients with neurologic deficit.
- Prognosis is most closely related to the patient's neurologic status at presentation.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
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Expert Panel on Neurological Imaging; Ortiz AO, Levitt A, Shah LM, et al. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® suspected spine infection. J Am Coll Radiol. 2021 Nov;18(suppl 11):S488-501.[Abstract][Full Text]
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