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Child's Nervous System

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01-11-2018 | Case-Based Update

Intramedullary cervical abscess mimicking a spinal cord tumor in a 10-year-old girl: a case-based review

Authors: Exequiel Patricio Verdier, Omar Konsol, Santiago Portillo

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 11/2018

Abstract

Background

Intramedullary spinal cord abscesses (ISCA) are a rare pathological entity with very few cases reported in the world and may be confused with an intramedullary tumor. Cervical location is the least frequently affected, except for cryptogenic spread, mostly seen in adult patients. Meticulous study of contrast-enhanced MRI pictures has a key role in the diagnosis.

Method and results

We present a case of a spontaneous cervical ISCA, mimicking a spinal cord tumor, in a pediatric patient with good outcome. A review of the literature shows that this is a life-threatening condition with high chances of rupture and subsequent meningitis.

Conclusions

We point out that if a solitary cervical spinal cord lesion is surrounded by significant medullar edema associated with fast onset of symptoms, fever, and elevation of WBC, the possibility of a spinal cord abscess should be considered prior to surgery.

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Title: Intramedullary cervical abscess mimicking a spinal cord tumor in a 10-year-old girl: a case-based review
Authors: Exequiel Patricio Verdier
Omar Konsol
Santiago Portillo
Publication date: 01-11-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 11/2018
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-018-3873-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Intramedullary cervical abscess mimicking a spinal cord tumor in a 10-year-old girl: a case-based review

Abstract

Background

Method and results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method and results

Conclusions

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