Published in:
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.