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Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics 7/2011

01-07-2011 | Short Report

Spinal epidural abscess in a young girl without risk factors

Authors: Elpis Mantadakis, Theodosios Birbilis, Lambros Michailidis, Vasileios Souftas, Athanassios Chatzimichael

Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 7/2011

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Abstract

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare infection associated with well-established risk factors mainly in adults. We describe an 11-year-old girl without any known risk factors who presented with fever and localized spinal tenderness in the lumbar area and was diagnosed with spinal MRI as suffering from a posterior SEA extending between T11 and L4. She was successfully managed with sequential intravenous and oral antibiotics along with minimally invasive surgery without laminectomy. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was the responsible pathogen isolated at surgery. Immediate institution of antibiotics, spinal MRI, and well-timed neurosurgical consultation are mandatory for a favorable outcome in cases of SEA in children.
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Metadata
Title
Spinal epidural abscess in a young girl without risk factors
Authors
Elpis Mantadakis
Theodosios Birbilis
Lambros Michailidis
Vasileios Souftas
Athanassios Chatzimichael
Publication date
01-07-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 7/2011
Print ISSN: 0340-6199
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1076
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-011-1437-2

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