[Febrile cervicalgia revealing infectious epiduritis : a case report]. / Cas clinique. Cervicalgies fébriles révélatrices d'une épidurite infectieuse.

Infectious epiduritis and epidural abscesses are relatively rare pathologies but with important neurological consequences. A low incidence associated with an insidious clinical presentation leads to frequent delays in diagnosis, which worsen the prognosis of patients with the development of neurological deficits. While the evaluation of risk factors, a careful clinical examination and biological tests can guide to the diagnosis, the key examination remains magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while lumbar puncture remains contraindicated. Although surgery (spinal decompression) has long been the treatment of choice, the current management of patients with infectious epiduritis is debated between surgery and conservative treatment with systemic antibiotic therapy.

Les épidurites infectieuses et les abcès épiduraux sont des pathologies relativement rares, mais avec des conséquences neurologiques redoutables. Une faible incidence et une présentation clinique souvent insidieuse engendrent de fréquents retards de diagnostic qui péjorent le pronostic des patients avec le développement de déficits neurologiques. Si l'évaluation des facteurs de risque, un examen clinique scrupuleux et des analyses biologiques peuvent guider vers le diagnostic, l'examen-clé reste l'imagerie par résonance magnétique (IRM). La ponction lombaire est contre-indiquée. Bien que l'approche chirurgicale ait longtemps été le traitement de choix, un traitement plus conservateur basé sur une antibiothérapie systémique est également discuté.

Bacteroides fragilis Bacteremia Complicated by Spondylodiscitis, Spinal Epidural Abscess, and Sepsis: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Pyogenic spondylitis comprises several clinical entities, including native vertebral osteomyelitis, septic discitis, pyogenic spondylodiscitis, and epidural abscess. The lumbar spine is most often infected, followed by the thoracic and cervical areas. It mainly develops (i) after spine surgery; (ii) from history of blunt trauma to the spinal column; (iii) from infections in adjacent structures (such as soft tissues); (iv) from iatrogenic inoculation after invasive procedures (such as lumbar puncture); and (v) from hematogenous bacterial spread to the vertebra (mainly through the venous route). Any delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to significant spinal cord injury, permanent neurological damage, septicemia, and death. CASE REPORT We describe a 63-year-old man with no significant past medical history who presented with fever and an altered level of consciousness. Significant thoracic spine pain was also reported during the last 3 months. The final diagnosis was vertebral spondylodiscitis, contiguous spinal epidural abscess, and sepsis due to Bacteroides fragilis bacteremia. Clinical recovery was achieved after surgical decompressive therapy with abscess drainage combined with appropriate antibiotic therapy for 12 weeks. The primary focus of the infection was not clarified, despite all the investigations that were performed. CONCLUSIONS Spondylodiscitis, spinal epidural abscess, and sepsis as complications of Bacteroides fragilis bacteremia are rare in a patient without any previously known predisposing conditions and without an obvious primary focus. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of anaerobic spondylodiscitis, especially if epidural abscess and sepsis are present, are of great importance to reduce mortality and avoid long-term complications.

High risk and low prevalence diseases: Spinal epidural abscess.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare but serious condition that carries with it a high rate of morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of SEA, including presentation, initial evaluation, and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence. DISCUSSION: SEA is a suppurative infection and infectious disease emergency that may result in significant morbidity and even mortality. It is a challenging diagnosis due to its range of risk factors and variety of presentations with up to 90% of patients misdiagnosed on their first ED visit. Factors associated with increased risk of SEA include immunocompromise, bacteremia, contiguous infection (e.g., psoas muscle abscess, osteomyelitis, skin infection), and spinal instrumentation. However, the absence of risk factors cannot be used to exclude SEA. The classic triad of back pain, fever, and neurologic deficit occurs in less than 8% of cases, though back pain is a common presenting symptom. Up to half of patients experience a neurologic abnormality, but fever is absent in 50%. Laboratory assessment may assist with inflammatory markers elevated in the majority of cases. Diagnosis includes magnetic resonance imaging with and without contrast and blood cultures, and management includes spinal specialist consultation and antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: An understanding of SEA can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this potentially deadly disease.

＜Editors' Choice＞ Treatment strategy for upper cervical epidural abscess: a literature review.

We aimed to determine available evidences in the literature regarding surgical approaches and methods, timing of surgical interventions, duration of perioperative antibiotics, and duration of nonsurgical treatments (antibiotics administration) in patients with upper cervical (occiput-C2) epidural abscess (UCEA). We performed a literature review of the articles on surgical interventions and antibiotic therapy to treat UCEA, searching the PubMed database for relevant articles published in the English language (as of March 2020). In total, 53 patients with UCEA were identified. Permanent limb paralysis or death was observed in 1/15 (6.7%) patients who received the transoral approach and 2/15 (13.3%) patients who received the transcervical approach, 1/26 (3.8%) patients who underwent surgery before the onset of paralysis, and 2/4 (50.0%) patients who underwent surgery after the onset of paralysis. In 85%-89% of cases, antibiotic administration was continued for 6-12 weeks, which was determined by the confirmation of reduced inflammatory response and/or abscess disappearance on imaging. Differences in surgical approaches may not be associated with the incidence of permanent limb paralysis or death. Surgical interventions before limb paralysis onset are recommended in UCEA patients. In perioperative and nonoperative treatments, antibiotic administration for 6-12 weeks may be supported based on the confirmation of reduced inflammatory response and/or abscess disappearance on imaging. Further investigations are needed.

[Spondylodiscitis and epidural abscesses]. / Spondylodiszitis und epiduraler Abszess.

CLINICAL/METHODOLOGICAL PROBLEM: Spondylodiscitis is an inflammation of the intervertebral disc, which in adults is generally associated with spondylitis of the adjacent vertebrae. It often presents clinically with nonspecific symptoms such as back or neck pain. It may be caused by various pathogens, especially bacteria. One or more vertebral segments can be affected. The infection can spread to surrounding compartments and can lead to epidural abscesses. Radiology, in particular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plays an important role in the diagnostic work-up and in the follow-up to monitor response to therapy. Treatment consists of conservative (antibiotics) and invasive approaches, including surgery. Interventional puncture and drainage is a promising alternative to surgery, especially in early stages of abscess formation. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), nuclear medical procedures, conventional x­ray. PERFORMANCE: MRI has the highest value. CT and nuclear medical procedures can be used as a supplement to MRI and in patients with contraindications for MRI. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: With adequate diagnosis and therapy, spondylodiscitis has a good prognosis. In addition to targeted or calculated drug therapy, invasive treatment is the main focus, especially for epidural abscesses. Interventional radiological drainage can represent a less invasive alternative to surgical treatment.

Spinal epidural abscesses - The role for non-operative management: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Spinal Epidural Abscesses (SEAs) are traditionally seen as a surgical emergency. However, SEAs can be discovered in entirely asymptomatic patients. This presents a dilemma for the attending clinician as to whether to subject these patients to significant surgery. This systematic review updates the evidence surrounding the efficacy of non-operative SEA management by means of intravenous antibiotics ± radiologically-guided aspiration. AIMS: 1. To assess failure rates of medical therapy for SEA. The absolute definition of 'failure' used by the study was recorded, and comparisons made. 2. To review of risk factors for success/failure of medical treatment for SEA. METHODS: A database search with the MESH term 'epidural abscess' and keywords ['treatment' OR 'management'] were used. RESULTS: 14 studies were included. The number of SEA patients managed non-operatively ranged from 19 to 142. There was significant heterogeneity across the studies. Pooled Failure of Medical Therapy (FMT) (defined as any poor outcome) was 29.40%. When FMT = mortality the pooled rate was 11.49%. Commonly cited risk factors for FMT included acute neurological compromise, diabetes mellitus, increasing age and Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSION: SEA will always be a condition mostly managed surgically. Despite this, there is growing evidence that non-operative management can be possible in the correct patients. The key is in patient selection - patients with any of the above-mentioned risk factors have the potential to deteriorate further on medical treatment and have a worse outcome than if they had undergone emergency surgery straight away. Ongoing research will hopefully further investigate this crucial step.

Absceso epidural posterolateral y compresión radicular: una rara complicación del absceso retrofaríngeo / Posterolateral epidural abscess and root compression: a rare complication of retropharyngeal abscess

Introducción: el absceso epidural posterolateral y la compresión radicular es una rara complicación del absceso retrofaríngeo (ARF). Se realizó el reporte de un caso con esta complicación extremadamente rara. Método: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura (estudios radiológicos, historia y hallazgos clínicos). Se firmó consentimiento del paciente para la publicación. Resultados: paciente de 33 años remitido a nivel terciario de atención con un cuadro clínico de cervicalgia, odinofagia y fiebre. La tomografía axial computarizada (TAC) y la resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) mostraron una colección retrofaríngea con compromiso epidural en el espacio medular cervical; en el examen físico se encontró odinofagia, cervicalgia, fiebre y pérdida de la fuerza muscular en el miembro superior derecho. El paciente fue llevado a manejo quirúrgico por otorrinolaringología y ortopedia para el drenaje de la colección; además, se le administró antibioticoterapia con cefepime y clindamicina por 21 días con buenos resultados; se consideró que el origen del absceso era idiopático. Conclusiones: el absceso epidural y la compresión radicular secundarias a un ARF es una rara y potencialmente mortal complicación de esta patología, con secuelas importantes en el paciente que la padece, que requiere un manejo médico-quirúrgico. En nuestro caso el manejo fue interdisciplinario, ya que integró otorrinolaringología, ortopedia, infectología y fisioterapia, lo que resultó en una evolución satisfactoria del paciente.

Introduction: posterolateral epidural abscess and radicular compression is a rare complication of retropharyngeal abscess (RFA), a case report with this extremely rare complication was made. Method: case report and review of the literature (radiological studies, clinical history, clinical findings) patient's consent was signed for the publication. Results: a 33-year-old patient referred at the tertiary care level with a clinical picture of cervicalgia, odynophagia and fever; CT and MRI showed retropharyngeal collection with epidural involvement in the cord cervical space, physical examination, odynophagia, cervicalgia, fever and loss of muscle strength in the right upper limb. Led to surgical management by ENT and orthopedics column for drainage of the collection; antibiotic therapy with cefepime, clindamycin for 21 days with good results; It was considered of idiopathic origin. Conclusions: epidural abscess and root compression secondary to an RFA is a rare and potentially fatal complication of this pathology with important sequelae in the patient, which requires medical-surgical management, in our case the management was integrated interdisciplinary otolaryngology, orthopedics, infectology, physiotherapy , with satisfactory evolution in the patient.

Infecciones piógenas de la columna vertebral / Pyogenic spinal infections

Las infecciones espinales son cuadros clínicos poco frecuentes, que exigen un alto índice de sospecha. La prevalencia de infecciones piógenas de la columna ha ido en aumento, en parte debido al envejecimiento de la población y a un mayor número de pacientes inmunocomprometidos. El estudio imagenológico se puede iniciar con radiografías simples, pero la resonancia magnética es el examen imagenológico de elección, ya que puede dar resultados positivos de forma precoz, entregando información más detallada del compromiso vertebral y tejidos blandos adyacentes. Aunque la clínica y los hallazgos imagenológicos nos pueden orientar, es importante intentar un diagnóstico microbiológico tomando cultivos y muestras para identificar al agente causal antes de iniciar los antibióticos; aunque es óptimo un tratamiento agente-específico, hasta un 25% de los casos queda sin diagnóstico del agente. El tratamiento es inicialmente médico, con antibióticos e inmovilización, pero se debe considerar la cirugía en casos de compromiso neurológico, deformidad progresiva, inestabilidad, sepsis no controlada o dolor intratable. El manejo quirúrgico actual consiste en el aseo y estabilización precoz de los segmentos vertebrales comprometidos. Descartar una endocarditis concomitante y el examen neurológico seriado son parte del manejo de estos pacientes.

Spinal infections are unusual conditions requiring a high index of suspicion for clinical diagnosis. There has been a global increase in the number of pyogenic spinal infections due to an aging population and a higher proportion of immunocompromised patients. The imaging study should start with plain radiographs, but magnetic resonance imaging (mri) is the gold standard for diagnosis. Mri can detect bone and disc changes earlier than other methods, and it provides detailed information on bone and adjacent soft tissues. Blood cultures and local samples for culture and pathology should be obtained, trying to identify the pathogen. According to the result, the most appropriate drug must be selected depending on susceptibility and penetration into spinal tissues. Treatment should start with antibiotics and immobilization; surgery should be considered in cases with neurological impairment, progressive deformity, spine instability, sepsis, or non-controlled pain. Current surgical treatment includes debridement and early stabilization. Practitioners should rule out endocarditis and perform a serial neurological examination managing these patients.

Spinal Epidural Abscess: Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes.

An infection of the spinal epidural space, spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a potentially devastating entity that is rising in incidence. Its insidious presentation, variable progression, and potential for precipitous neurologic decline make diagnosis and management of SEA challenging. Prompt diagnosis is key because treatment delay can lead to paralysis or death. Owing to the nonspecific symptoms and signs of SEA, misdiagnosis is alarmingly common. Risk factor assessment to determine the need for definitive MRI reduces diagnostic delays compared with relying on clinical or laboratory findings alone. Although decompression has long been considered the benchmark for SEA, considerable risk associated with spinal surgery is noted in an older cohort with multiple comorbidities. Nonoperative management may represent an alternative in select cases. Failure of nonoperative management is a feared outcome associated with motor deterioration and poor clinical outcomes. Recent studies have identified independent predictors of failure and residual neurologic dysfunction, recurrence, and mortality. Importantly, these studies provide tools that generate probabilities of these outcomes. Future directions of investigation should include external validation of existing algorithms through multi-institutional collaboration, prospective trials, and incorporation of powerful predictive statistics such as machine learning methods.

A Lemierre-like syndrome caused by Staphylococcus aureus: an emerging disease.

Despite its clear definition, Lemierre's syndrome is frequently used to describe any septic thrombophlebitis of the jugular vein. We report a Lemierre-like syndrome caused by Staphylococcus aureus without an oropharyngeal infection and present a systematic synthesis of reported cases to date of Lemierre-like syndrome caused by S. aureus. In addition to our case, 24 cases were found. In contrast to the classical picture, S. aureus is associated with an oropharyngeal infection in less than half of the cases. Another striking feature is the significant proportion of patients being very young and the fact that all 25 cases were published in the last 17 years. S. aureus is a rare, but emerging cause of Lemierre-like syndrome. Adequate patient care rests on a high index of suspicion, prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy and early detection and management of metastatic abscesses.BULLET POINT SUMMARYThe term Lemierre's syndrome should be reserved for the classic triad of bacteraemia caused by anaerobic pathogens (primarily Fusobacterium necrophorum), evidence of internal jugular venous thrombosis, and a history of recent oropharyngeal infection.Similar syndromes not caused by anaerobic organisms or without history of an oropharyngeal infection should be named Lemierre-like syndrome and may be a more challenging diagnosis.Staphylococcus aureus is a cause of Lemierre-like syndrome, especially in very young children (<2 years old).The Staphylococcus aureus Lemierre-like syndrome is an emerging clinical syndrome.Adequate patient care is based on a high index of suspicion, prompt initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics and active detection and management of metastatic abscesses.

Successful surgical management of an Escherichia coli epidural-subdural abscess secondary to sino-rhinotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of successful management of epidural-subdural abscess and severe meningitis with secondary brain herniation in a dog. CASE SUMMARY: A rhino-sinusotomy was performed in a 3-year-old mixed-breed dog for management of refractory sinonasal aspergillosis. Initial recovery was good, but the dog became acutely stuporous 36 hours after surgery. Evidence of increased intracranial pressure with brain herniation and midline shift secondary to an epidural abscess was observed on magnetic resonance imaging. Decompressive craniectomy and drainage of the abscess was performed. Intensive nursing care and physiologic support was performed with consciousness returning 7 days after initial stupor. The dog was discharged 14 days after craniectomy and was ambulatory with support. NEW/UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Intracranial abscesses are rarely described in dogs and few had a successful outcome reported. All previous reports have been of brain abscesses or empyema, rather than a combination of epidural and subdural abscessation. Additionally, the process of sino-rhinotomy for management of aspergillosis has not been previously linked to intracranial abscess formation. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of successful management of an epidural-subdural abscess and suggests that even with cases with low modified Glasgow Coma Scale scores outcome may be positive.

Update on spinal epidural abscess.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is still a rare but potentially very morbid infection of the spine. In recent years, the incidence has risen sharply but the condition remains a medical conundrum wrought with unacceptably long diagnostic delays. The outcome depends on timely diagnosis and missed opportunities can be associated with catastrophic consequences. Management and outcomes have improved over the past decade. This review focuses on risk factors and markers that can aid in establishing the diagnosis, the radiological characteristics of SEA on MRI and their clinical implications, as well as the importance of establishing clear indications for surgical decompression. RECENT FINDINGS: This once exclusively surgically managed entity is increasingly treated conservatively with antimicrobial therapy. Patients diagnosed in a timely fashion, prior to cord involvement and the onset of neurologic deficits can safely be managed without decompressive surgery with targeted antimicrobial therapy. Patients with acute cord compression and gross neurologic deficits promptly undergo decompression. The greatest therapeutic dilemma remains the group with mild neurological deficits. As failure rates of delayed surgery approach 40%, recent research is focused on predictive models for failure of conservative SEA management. In addition, protocols are being implemented with some success, to shorten the diagnostic delay of SEA on initial presentation. SUMMARY: SEA is a potentially devastating condition that is frequently missed. Protocols are put in place to facilitate early evaluation of back pain in patients with red flags with appropriate cross-sectional imaging, namely contrast-enhanced MRI. Efforts for establishing clear-cut indications for surgical decompression of SEA are underway.

The increasing frequency of intravenous drug abuse-associated spinal epidural abscesses: a case series.

OBJECTIVEFew studies have been published specifically examining intravenous drug abuse (IVDA)-associated spinal epidural abscesses (SEAs), an unfortunate sequela of the opioid crisis in the United States. Here, the authors examined a series of patients with IVDA-associated SEAs in order to shed light on this challenging disease entity.METHODSThis study is a retrospective chart review of patients presenting with IVDA-associated SEAs at the authors' institution from 2013 to 2018, spanning the statewide implementation of opioid-prescribing restrictions.RESULTSA total of 45 patients presented with IVDA-associated SEAs; 46.5% presented with a neurological deficit. Thirty-one patients underwent surgery for neurological deficit, failure of medical therapy, or both. Nineteen surgical patients underwent a fusion procedure along with decompression. The complication rate was 41.9%, and the mortality rate was 6.7%. The average length of stay was 27.6 days. Patients who underwent surgery within 24 hours of onset of neurological symptoms trended toward more improvement in their American Spinal Cord Association Impairment Scale grade than those who did not (0.5 vs -0.2, p = 0.068). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated as the causative pathogen in 57.8% of patients. Twenty-three patients (51.5%) kept their scheduled clinic follow-up appointments. Of the fusion patients with adequate follow-up, 5 showed bony arthrodesis and 3 had pseudarthrosis. The rate of IVDA-associated SEAs increased after opioid-prescribing restrictions were put in place, from 0.54 cases per month to 1.15 cases per month (p = 0.017).CONCLUSIONSPatients with IVDA-associated SEAs are challenging to treat, with high complication rates and poor follow-up. This disease is increasing in frequency, and opioid-prescribing restrictions did not slow that rise. Community outreach to promote prevention, early medical attention, and medication compliance would benefit this largely publicly funded patient population.

Spinal epidural abscess - a rare complication of Crohn´s disease: case report.

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare disease that occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients after spinal surgery or spinal trauma and can lead to a severe neurological deficit or even death if diagnosed too late. However, cases of SEA have also been reported in patients with fistulising Crohn´s disease (CD). We present a case of a young patient with CD and a history of relapsing perianal disease followed by a complication of SEA in the thoracic spine. In close cooperation with the orthopedists and the neurologists, the gastroenterologists have successfully treated the SEA in this patient, allowing her to return back to biological treatment for CD.

Nocardial spinal epidural abscess with lumbar disc herniation: A case report and review of literature.

RATIONALE: Nocardial spinal epidural abscess is rare. The diagnosis is often difficult to make and, if delayed, poses a high risk of long-term disability. Nocardial spinal epidural abscess with severe lumbar disc herniation has not previously been reported. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 50-year-old man presented with progressive lumbago and leg pain for 6 weeks after receiving acupuncture therapy, and then the patient suddenly occurred urine retention after walking. DIAGNOSES: Clinical examination revealed sign of cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a Lumbar(L)4 to L5 disc herniation, L3 to Sacrum(S)1 epidural abscess, and L2 to S1 paravertebral abscess. The causative organism was Nocardia farcinica. INTERVENTIONS: An urgent paravertebral abscess debridement and right L4 to L5 laminectomy were performed. Simultaneously, the disc tissue protruding into the spinal canal was removed, as well as irrigation and drainage. And antimicrobial treatment was continued for 12 months. OUTCOMES: Fortunately, the patient was able to walk with a cane and urinate autonomously without a catheter, although this remained difficult 7 days after surgery. After 1 year of treatment, the patient has recovered completely and returned to work. LESSONS: Nocardial spinal epidural abscess with severe lumbar disc herniation is extremely rare. Pain from spinal degenerative diseases often masks the early symptoms of spinal infection. It's worth noting that invasive treatment of spine is a way of causing spinal nocardial infection.

Sphenoidal sinogenic extradural empyema associated with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.

Intracranial empyema is a rare but serious complication of sinusitis in children. Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative syndromes (MMS), including juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), can lead to immunosuppression, thus favouring infections. We report the case of a sphenoid sinogenic retro-clival extradural empyema in a 14-year-old female patient associated with JMML. Treatment consisted in an endonasal transphenoidal drainage of the empyema associated with intravenous antibiotherapy. The patient was thereafter enrolled in chemotherapeutic treatment with Azacitidine. The disease progressed to blast phase, indicating bone marrow graft. This is the first reported case of an endocranial complication of bacterial sinusitis associated with MMS in a child.

Nonoperative Management of Spinal Epidural Abscess: Development of a Predictive Algorithm for Failure.

BACKGROUND: Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical in spinal epidural abscess, as delay can lead to paralysis or death. The initial management decision for spinal epidural abscess is not always clear, with the literature showing conflicting results. When considering nonoperative management, it is crucial to avoid failure of treatment, given the neurologic compromise incurred through failure. Unfortunately, data regarding risk factors associated with failure are scarce. METHODS: All patients admitted to our hospital system with a diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess from 1993 to 2016 were identified. Patients who were ≥18 years of age and were initially managed nonoperatively were included. Explanatory variables and outcomes were collected retrospectively. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed on these variables to identify independent predictors of failure of nonoperative treatment. A nomogram was constructed to generate a risk of failure based on these predictors. RESULTS: We identified 367 patients who initially underwent nonoperative management. Of these, 99 patients underwent medical management that failed. Multivariable logistic regression yielded 6 independent predictors of failure: a presenting motor deficit, pathologic or compression fracture in affected levels, active malignancy, diabetes mellitus, sensory changes, and dorsal location of abscess. We constructed a nomogram that generates a probability of failure based on the presence of these factors. CONCLUSIONS: By quantifying the risk of failure on the basis of the presence of 6 independent predictors of treatment failure, our nomogram may provide a useful tool for the treatment team when weighing the risks and benefits of initial nonoperative treatment compared with operative management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Simultaneous treatment of intracranial complications of paranasal sinusitis.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyse 51 patients with intracranial complications of sinusitis treated in the Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngeal Oncology at Poznan University of Medical Sciences from 1964 to 2016. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Males made up a significant portion of study participants at 70.5%. Treatment included simultaneous removal of inflammatory focal points in the paranasal sinuses and drainage of cerebral and epidural abscesses and subdural empyemas under the control of neuronavigation preceded by the implementation of broad-spectrum antibiotics continuously for 4 weeks. Seventy-three intracranial complications were found among 51 patients. Of the 51 patients, 25 had frontal lobe abscesses (including multiple abscesses). Other complications included the following: 16 epidural abscesses, 9 subdural empyemas, 15 meningitis cases, 3 intracerebral abscesses, 3 sinus thrombosis cases and 2 patients with cerebritis. Co-occurrence of these complications worsened the state of the patient and increased the duration of treatment. Patients with frontal lobe abscesses had a better prognosis and less pronounced neurological symptoms in recent years versus earlier treatment approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous treatment of intracranial complications of sinusitis is an effective treatment method that has minimal burden for the patient. From 1964 to 1978, three deaths (17%) were reported among patients with these complications. Since 1978, no deaths were reported in the clinic.

Lumbar spine epidural abscess and facet joint septic arthritis due to Streptococcus agalactiae: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Here we report a rare case of lumbar spine epidural abscess and facet joint septic arthritis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, which had spread to the iliopsoas muscles, leading to urine retention. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old woman with low back pain experienced a sudden onset of bilateral lower limb weakness, it was followed 14 days later by urine retention. At consultation, magnetic resonance imaging and identification of serum ß-hemolytic streptococci provided a diagnosis of Streptococcus agalactiae infection. She was started on antibiotics. Despite diminishing signs of inflammation, preoperative MRI showed an epidural mass at T12-L4 compressing the cord and involving the paravertebral muscles as well. Group B beta-hemolytic streptococci were detected in both urine and blood. Because of bilateral lower limb weakness and urine retention, T12-L4 hemilaminectomy was performed. The L3/L4 intertransverse ligament resected and abscess drained. Histopathology revealed that inflammatory cells had invaded the facet joint. Group B beta-hemolytic streptococci were identified, confirming the diagnosis. The patient continued with the antibiotics postoperatively, and her health rapidly improved. CONCLUSION: Lumbar spine epidural abscess and facet joint septic arthritis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae is a clinical emergency, with significant morbidity and mortality especially with delayed diagnosis. A delay in both diagnosis and aggressive treatment can lead to not only severe neurological deficit but also to septicaemia, multiorgan failure, and even death.