Early diagnosis of a spinal epidural abscess.

Abstract

Epidural abscess is a neurologic emergency. Diagnosis may be difficult and costly to patients and health care providers in terms of time and money expended. We present a case of epidural abscess diagnosed in a cancer patient with an implanted epidural catheter. Diagnostic studies were performed that documented the presence of a spinal epidural abscess. Routine aspiration of an implanted epidural catheter facilitated the early diagnosis of epidural abscess in our patient prior to the performance of these studies.

• Authors: P C Reynolds, M B Hahn
• Journal: Regional anesthesia (Reg Anesth) 1991 Jan-Feb Vol. 16 Issue 1 Pg. 57-8 ISSN: 0146-521X [Print] United States
• PMID: 2007108 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Abscess (diagnosis, etiology)
• Analgesia, Epidural (instrumentation)
• Catheters, Indwelling (adverse effects)
• Epidural Space
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Spinal Diseases (diagnosis, etiology)
• Staphylococcal Infections (diagnosis, etiology)
• Time Factors