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01-07-2020 | Antibiotic | Case-Based Review

Spinal epidural abscess in children: a case-based review

Authors: Pietro Spennato, Daniela Renedo, Daniele Cascone, Giuseppe Mirone, Alessia Imperato, Giuliana Di Martino, Giuseppe Cinalli

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 7/2020

Abstract

Background

Pediatric spinal epidural abscess is a major suppurative infection of the central nervous system. It is an extremely rare pathology carrying serious risk of permanent neurological sequelae if is not properly treated.

Methods and results

All the pertinent literature was analyzed, focused on pediatric cases of spinal epidural abscess and its peculiar features. Two illustrative cases are also presented. The first case is that of a 9-year old girl who took medical attention, when she was already paraplegic. Despite prompt surgical evacuation and good neuroradiological outcome and intensive rehabilitation, motor deficits did not recover after surgery. The second case was that of a 14-year old girl who presented with fever, neck pain, and torticollis. Prompt diagnosis, decompressive surgery, and 6 weeks of antibiotics allowed good neurological outcome.

Conclusions

The management of spinal epidural abscess includes evacuation of the abscess with decompression of the spinal cord and prolonged antibiotic treatment. The presence of neurological deficit and the delay in the initiation of proper treatment are the two factors that more worsen prognosis.

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Title: Spinal epidural abscess in children: a case-based review
Authors: Pietro Spennato
Daniela Renedo
Daniele Cascone
Giuseppe Mirone
Alessia Imperato
Giuliana Di Martino
Giuseppe Cinalli
Publication date: 01-07-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Antibiotic
Spinal Epidural Abscess
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 7/2020
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-020-04609-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Spinal epidural abscess in children: a case-based review

Abstract

Background

Methods and results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods and results

Conclusions

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