ABSTRACT
El tumor inflamatorio de Pott (PPT) es una osteomielitis del hueso frontal con un absceso subperióstico concomitante, principalmente secundario a sinusitis frontal complicada. Es infrecuente, pero puede tener consecuencias fatales debido a su alta asociación con complicaciones intracraneales. Presentamos el caso de una escolar de 7 años sin antecedentes, que consulta en el Servicio de Urgencia por un cuadro de 5 semanas de rinorrea mucopurulenta derecha y aumento de volumen frontal progresivo, habiendo recibido antibioticoterapia sin respuesta. Se realizan neuroimágenes que confirman el diagnóstico de rinosinusitis aguda fronto-etmoidal complicada con absceso subperióstico frontal compatible con PPT, asociado a un absceso epidural. Se manejó con antibiótico endovenoso prolongado y aseo quirúrgico mediante craniectomía por abordaje bi-coronal con drenaje de ambas colecciones y reconstrucción de base de cráneo con colgajo de pericráneo, evolucionando favorablemente. El diagnóstico del tumor inflamatorio de Pott es clínico y radiológico, siendo el aumento de volumen frontal el signo cardinal. La tomografía computarizada es útil para establecer el diagnóstico diferencial con otras entidades y la resonancia magnética permite con mayor sensibilidad y especificidad detectar complicaciones intracraneales. El tratamiento es médico y quirúrgico mediante antibioticoterapia endovenosa y aseo quirúrgico oportuno.
Pott's inflammatory tumor is an osteomyelitis of the frontal bone with a concomitant subperiosteal abscess, mainly secondary to complicated frontal sinusitis. It is rare entity but may have fatal consequences due to its high association with intracranial complications. We present the case of a healthy 7-year-old girl who presented to the emergency department with a 5-week history of mucopurulent right rhinorrhea and progressive forehead swelling without response to oral antibiotic therapy. Neuroimaging confirms the diagnosis of acute frontoethmoidal rhinosinusitis complicated with frontal subperiosteal abscess compatible with PPT and an epidural abscess. She received prolonged intravenous antibiotics for six weeks and surgical treatment with craniectomy by bi-coronal approach with drainage of both collections and reconstruction of the skull base with pericranial flap, progressing favorably. The diagnosis of Pott's inflammatory tumor is clinical and radiological. The increased frontal volume is the cardinal sign, and computed tomography is the image of choice, which is also helpful in establishing the differential diagnosis with other entities. Magnetic resonance imaging is practical, given its greater sensitivity and specificity to detect intracranial complications. Treatment is imperative and is based on adequate antibiotic therapy and prompt surgical debridement.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Child , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Pott Puffy Tumor/diagnostic imaging , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Craniotomy/methods , Pott Puffy Tumor/surgery , Rhinosinusitis/etiologyABSTRACT
A 66-year-old female patient was hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, which led to hypoxia requiring oxygen support with high-flow nasal cannulae. She received anti-inflammatory treatment with a 10-day dexamethasone 6 mg PO course and a single infusion of IL-6 monoclonal antibody tocilizumab 640 mg IV. Treatment led to gradual reduction of oxygen support. However, on Day 10, she was found to have Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia with epidural, psoas, and paravertebral abscesses as the source. Targeted history taking revealed a dental procedure for periodontitis 4 weeks prior to hospitalization as the probable source. She received an 11-week antibiotic treatment, which led to resolution of the abscesses. This case report highlights the importance of individual infection risk assessment before the initiation of immunosuppressive treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Epidural Abscess , Female , Humans , Aged , COVID-19/complications , Interleukin-6 Inhibitors , Interleukin Inhibitors , COVID-19 Drug Treatment , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Epidural Abscess/complications , Dexamethasone/adverse effectsABSTRACT
VPI occurs when the seal between the oral and nasal cavities does not doesn't close completely. One of the treatment options is an injection pharyngoplasty (IP). We are presenting a life threating -threatening case of epidural abscess after in- office injection pharyngoplasty IP. Laryngoscope, 133:3409-3411, 2023.
Subject(s)
Epidural Abscess , Plastic Surgery Procedures , Velopharyngeal Insufficiency , Humans , Epidural Abscess/drug therapy , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Epidural Abscess/surgery , Velopharyngeal Insufficiency/surgery , Pharynx/surgery , InjectionsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Cervical spinal epidural abscess (CSEA) is a rare condition, manifesting as rapid neurological deterioration and leading to early neurological deficits. Its management remains challenging, especially in patients older than 80 years. Therefore, we aimed to compare the clinical course and determine morbidity and mortality rates after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) versus corpectomy in octogenarians with ventrally located CSEA at two levels. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective review, we obtained the following from electronic medical records between September 2005 and December 2021: patient demographics, surgical characteristics, complications, hospital clinical course, and 90-day mortality rate. Comorbidities were assessed using the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). RESULTS: Over 16 years, 15 patients underwent ACDF, and 16 patients underwent corpectomy with plate fixation. Between the two groups, patients who underwent corpectomy had a significantly poorer baseline reserve (9.0 ± 2.6 vs. 10.8 ± 2.7; p = 0.004) and had a longer hospitalization period (16.4 ± 13.1 vs. 10.0 ± 5.3 days; p = 0.004) since corpectomy lasted significantly longer (229.6 ± 74.9 min vs. 123.9 ± 47.5 min; p < 0.001). Higher in-hospital and 90-day mortality and readmission rates were observed in the corpectomy group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Both surgeries significantly improved blood infection parameters and neurological status at discharge. Revision surgery due to pseudoarthrosis was required in two patients after corpectomy. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that both ACDF and corpectomy for ventrally located CSEA can be considered as safe treatment strategies for patients aged 80 years and above. However, the surgical approach should be carefully weighed and discussed with the patients and their relatives.
Subject(s)
Epidural Abscess , Spinal Fusion , Spondylosis , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , Epidural Abscess/surgery , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Follow-Up Studies , Spondylosis/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Octogenarians , Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging , Cervical Vertebrae/surgery , Spinal Fusion/adverse effects , Diskectomy/adverse effects , Retrospective Studies , Disease ProgressionABSTRACT
A 44-year-old male was admitted with L5/S1 spondylodiscitis complicated by a posterior epidural abscess that was compressing the thecal sac with severe narrowing of the canal and compression of the cauda equine. He underwent computed tomography (CT) guided drainage followed by L5/S1 decompression laminectomy and was started on a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics with good response. He remained well and afebrile with inflammatory markers showing improvement. During this period, he developed intermittent myoclonic movements of right lower limb with severe pain over the back radiating to the gluteal region which hindered his rehabilitation potential. He was diagnosed with spinal segmental myoclonus based on clinical findings and history of recent spinal surgery. He was successfully treated with a course of clonazepam and continues to make functional improvements during his rehabilitation program.
Subject(s)
Discitis , Epidural Abscess , Myoclonus , Male , Animals , Horses , Myoclonus/complications , Myoclonus/surgery , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Discitis/complications , Laminectomy/adverse effectsABSTRACT
RATIONALE: Subcutaneous and epidural abscesses following epidural injection are a serious but rare complication. Epidural abscesses are typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacterial infection. In this case presented here, the causative bacterium was Enterococcus faecalis. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 67-year-old woman having chronic lower back and right leg pain with past history of 20 years of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis (T-score: -2.7) visited the outpatient pain clinic. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed L4-5 right central disc extrusion with inferior migration. We performed a continuous epidural block for 7 days without complications. After 10 days, she presented with worsened low back pain, erythematous skin change on the lower back, chilling, and elevated serum acute phase reactants. DIAGNOSIS: The diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by MRI suggesting subcutaneous and epidural abscess. Blood and pus cultures showed the growth of E. faecalis. INTERVENTIONS: Pigtail catheter drainage was performed and intravenous antibiotics (ampicillin-sulbactam) targeting E. faecalis were applied for 3 weeks. Oral antibiotics (amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate) were applied for 6 weeks after discharge. OUTCOMES: At the 2-month follow-up, improvement in both the clinical condition and serum acute phase reactants levels were noted. LESSONS: Epidural injection can lead to a subcutaneous abscess that is further extended into the epidural space. One of the key factors is the presence of comorbid conditions, including diabetes mellitus and prolonged steroid usage due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Rheumatoid , Diabetes Mellitus , Epidural Abscess , Staphylococcal Infections , Acute-Phase Proteins , Aged , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/complications , Epidural Abscess/diagnosis , Epidural Abscess/drug therapy , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Epidural Space , Female , Humans , Staphylococcal Infections/complications , SteroidsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a complex medical condition with high morbidity and healthcare costs. Clinical presentation and laboratory data may have prognostic value in forecasting morbidity and mortality. C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) demonstrates promise for the prediction of adverse events in multiple orthopaedic and nonorthopaedic surgical conditions. We investigated the relationship between CAR and outcomes after treatment of SEA. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated adult patients treated within a single healthcare system for a diagnosis of SEA (2005 to 2017). Laboratory and clinical data included age at diagnosis, sex, race, body mass index, smoking status, history of intravenous drug use, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and CAR. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any complication; mortality and readmissions were considered secondarily. We used logistic regression to determine the association between baseline CAR and outcomes, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: We included 362 patients with a 90-day mortality rate of 13.3% and a 90-day complication rate of 47.8%. A reduced complication rate was observed in the lowest decile of CAR values compared with the remaining 90% of patients, a threshold value of 2.5 (27.0% versus 50.2%; odds ratio [OR] 2.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22 to 5.81). CAR values in the highest two deciles experienced significantly increased odds of complications compared with the lowest decile (80th: OR 3.44; 95% CI 1.25 to 9.42; 90th: OR 3.28; 95% CI 1.19 to 9.04). DISCUSSION: We found elevated CAR to be associated with an increased likelihood of major morbidity in SEA. We suggest using a CAR value of 2.5 as a threshold for enhanced surveillance and recognizing patients with values above 73.7 as being at exceptional risk of morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III observational cohort study.
Subject(s)
C-Reactive Protein , Epidural Abscess , Adult , Albumins , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Humans , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Spondylodiscitis accompanying spinal epidural abscess is often treated with decompression surgery when there are neurological symptoms. We report a case of spondylodiscitis accompanying spinal epidural abscess with severe lower extremity pain that was successfully treated with percutaneous posterior pedicle screw fixation without decompression surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with severe low back pain (LBP), lower extremity pain and numbness, and fever. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed spondylodiscitis at L2-L3 and a small epidural abscess located ventrally in the spinal canal. Initially, the patient was treated conservatively with empirical antibiotics. However, the lower extremity symptoms worsened and the epidural abscess expanded cranially to the T12 level. Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation without decompression was performed thirty-three days after admission. Postoperatively, the LBP and lower extremity pain dramatically improved. A postoperative MRI performed one week post-operatively showed an unexpectedly rapid decrease in the size of the epidural abscess, although no decompression surgery was performed. Two months after surgery, the epidural abscess completely disappeared. At the final follow-up (five years postoperatively), no recurrence of epidural abscess was observed, and the patient had no symptoms or disturbance of activities of daily living. DISCUSSION: This surgical strategy should be carefully selected for patients with spondylodiscitis with accompanying spinal epidural abscess who have lower extremity symptoms. The stabilising effect of pedicle screw fixation may be advantageous for controlling spinal infections. Percutaneous posterior pedicle screw fixation without decompression is an optional treatment for spondylodiscitis accompanying spinal epidural abscess.
Subject(s)
Discitis , Epidural Abscess , Pedicle Screws , Activities of Daily Living , Back Pain , Discitis/diagnosis , Discitis/etiology , Discitis/surgery , Epidural Abscess/diagnostic imaging , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Epidural Abscess/surgery , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pedicle Screws/adverse effectsABSTRACT
RATIONALE: Esophageal cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide; the treatments vary according to the stage at diagnosis. Advanced esophageal cancer is usually treated by concurrent chemoradiation which is associated with complications including esophagitis, esophageal stricture or perforation, radiation pneumonitis, and/or cardiac toxicity. Herein, we describe epidural abscess, which is a very rare but severe complication that can occur after concurrent chemoradiation therapy for advanced esophageal cancer. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 75-year-old man developed a fever during concurrent chemoradiation therapy for advanced esophageal cancer, which progressed to neurological deficit and paraplegia. Enhanced chest computed tomography and C-spine magnetic resonance imaging were performed. DIAGNOSIS: Chest computed tomography revealed a poorly enhanced necrotic change in the cervical esophageal cancer, with mottled dirty material and fluid collection. C-spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed a prevertebral abscess with pyogenic spondylitis at the C6-T2 level. In addition, an anterior epidural abscess at the C6-7 level compressed the spinal cord. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent emergency anterior cervical discectomy and decompression corpectomy. OUTCOMES: : After surgery, the neurological symptoms gradually improved. LESSONS: Pyogenic spondylitis with an epidural abscess is a rare but life-threatening complication that can develop after concurrent chemoradiation therapy for advanced esophageal cancer. Rapid, accurate diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment are important to ensure a favorable long-term prognosis and a good quality of life.
Subject(s)
Epidural Abscess , Esophageal Neoplasms , Spondylitis , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Aged , Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Esophageal Neoplasms/therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Quality of LifeABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine the immediate post-operative course and outcome of pediatric patients with complicated acute mastoiditis (CAM) following surgical treatment. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with CAM who underwent mastoid surgery during 2012-2019 in a tertiary care university hospital. 33 patients, divided into 2 groups: 17 patients with sub-periosteal abscess (SPA) alone-single complication group (SCG) and 16 patients with SPA and additional complications: sigmoid sinus thrombosis (SST), peri-sinus fluid/abscess, epidural/subdural abscess, and acute meningitis-multiple complications group (MCG). RESULTS: 33 patients belong to the SCG 17(51%) and 16(49%) belonged to the MCG, respectively. 6/17(35.3%) SCG patients experienced POF vs. 12/16(75%) in the MCG (P = 0.012). At post-operative day 2 (POD2), 10/13(77%) febrile patients belonged to MCG and 3/13(23%) to SCG (P = 0.013). POF was recorded until POD6 in both groups. Seven patients, all from MCG with POF, underwent second imaging with no new findings; a total of 18 positive cultures were reported. Fusobacterium necrophorum counted for 8/18(44.5%) of all positive cultures, 7/9(77.8%) in the MCG vs. 1/9(11.1%) in the SCG, P = 0.004. Streptococcus pneumoniae was reported only in SCG (5/9, 55.5%, vs. 0/9, P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Post-mastoidectomy fever due to CAM is not unusual and seems to be a benign condition for the first 5-6 days, following surgery. MCG patients are more prone to develop POF. F. necrophorum is more likely to be associated with MCG, and S. pneumoniae is common in SCG patients.
Subject(s)
Epidural Abscess , Mastoiditis , Acute Disease , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Child , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Epidural Abscess/surgery , Humans , Infant , Mastoidectomy/adverse effects , Mastoiditis/complications , Mastoiditis/diagnosis , Mastoiditis/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Streptococcus pneumoniaeABSTRACT
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is commonly utilized for treatment and management of chronic intractable low back and lower extremity pain. Although SCS is an overall low-risk procedure, there are potential life-threatening complications, including surgical site infections, such as an epidural abscess. Immunosuppression, a risk factor for epidural abscess, is becoming more common as an increasing number of patients are being treated with biologics for a multitude of autoimmune disorders. One class of commonly utilized biologics is antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) alpha. Whereas these drugs can provide tremendous benefit for treatment and management of autoimmune disorders, there is no clear understanding of the degree to which these medications increase a patient's risk for surgical site infection, including those associated with SCS-related procedures. We present a case of an epidural abscess that developed immediately following an SCS trial in a patient with multiple undisclosed risk factors, including the use of an anti-TNF alpha agent to treat ankylosing spondylitis. For an epidural abscess, early diagnosis is key to preventing devastating complications and the need for surgical intervention. Immunosuppression can be the result of multiple issues including cancer, HIV, and biologic agents, such as anti-TNF alpha for the management of autoimmune diseases. There is limited evidence pertaining to the development of epidural abscesses in patients on anti-TNF alpha medications who undergo SCS. Studies focused on infections in patients undergoing SCS trials and permanent implants while on anti-TNF alpha agents could provide recommendations and guidance.
Subject(s)
Epidural Abscess , Spinal Cord Stimulation , Epidural Abscess/drug therapy , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Humans , Necrosis , Spinal Cord , Spinal Cord Stimulation/adverse effects , Tumor Necrosis Factor InhibitorsSubject(s)
Epidural Abscess/surgery , Esophageal Perforation/surgery , Esophagus , Foreign Bodies/surgery , Postoperative Complications/surgery , Quadriplegia/surgery , Spinal Cord Compression/surgery , Streptococcal Infections/surgery , Animals , Bone and Bones , Cervical Vertebrae/surgery , Chickens , Decompression, Surgical/methods , Diskectomy/methods , Eating , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Epidural Abscess/physiopathology , Esophageal Perforation/etiology , Esophagoscopy , Female , Foreign Bodies/complications , Humans , Laminectomy/methods , Middle Aged , Pharynx , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/physiopathology , Quadriplegia/etiology , Quadriplegia/physiopathology , Recovery of Function , Spinal Cord Compression/etiology , Spinal Cord Compression/physiopathology , Streptococcal Infections/complications , Streptococcal Infections/physiopathology , Streptococcus anginosusABSTRACT
Postauricular swelling is usually encountered in an emergency setting in otorhinolaryngology, resulting from complication of acute or chronic suppurative otitis media. Besides that, postauricular swelling may occur secondary to various other conditions including infectious disease, tumour, vascular malformation, granulomatous condition and even trauma. Children less than 2 years old are prone to fall and up to 10% sustain traumatic brain injury without any obvious signs of neurological deficit. We describe a rare case of a postauricular swelling in a toddler which turned out to be salmonella extradural abscess from an infected traumatic haematoma. The importance of high clinical suspicion especially in a child with a history of fall cannot be emphasised more because a missed brain abscess could lead to potentially life-threatening problems. We would like to highlight that meticulous history taking along with prompt assessment and intervention is prudent for a better prognosis and recovery.
Subject(s)
Brain Abscess , Epidural Abscess , Near Miss, Healthcare , Otitis Media, Suppurative , Brain Abscess/diagnostic imaging , Brain Abscess/etiology , Child, Preschool , Epidural Abscess/diagnostic imaging , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Humans , SalmonellaABSTRACT
The term "intracranial abscess" (ICA) includes cerebral abscess, subdural empyema, and epidural empyema, which share many diagnostic and therapeutic similarities and, frequently, very similar etiologies. Infection may occur and spread from a contiguous infection such as sinusitis, otitis, mastoiditis, or dental infection; hematogenous seeding; or cranial trauma. In view of the high morbidity and mortality of ICA and the fact that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) is relatively non-invasive and carries a low complication rate, the risk-benefit ratio favors adjunct use of HBO2 therapy in selected patients with intracranial abscess.
Subject(s)
Brain Abscess/therapy , Hyperbaric Oxygenation/methods , Brain Abscess/diagnostic imaging , Brain Abscess/etiology , Empyema, Subdural/diagnostic imaging , Empyema, Subdural/etiology , Empyema, Subdural/therapy , Epidural Abscess/diagnostic imaging , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Epidural Abscess/therapy , Humans , Patient Selection , Risk Assessment , Streptococcal Infections/microbiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon and highly morbid infection of the epidural space. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are known to be at increased risk of developing SEA; however, there are no studies that have described the risk factors and outcomes of SEA in ESRD patients utilizing the United States Renal Data System (USRDS). METHODS: To determine risk factors, morbidity, and mortality associated with SEA in ESRD patients, a retrospective case-control study was conducted using the USRDS. ESRD patients diagnosed with SEA between 2005 and 2010 were identified, and logistic regression was performed to examine correlates of SEA, as well as risk factors associated with mortality in SEA-ESRD patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of SEA amongst ESRD patients was 0.39% (n = 1,697). Patients with SEA were more likely to be male [adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.22], black (OR = 1.19), diabetic (OR = 1.26), with catheter access (OR = 1.29), and less likely to be ≥65 years old (OR = 0.64). Osteomyelitis, bacteremia/septicemia, MRSA, and endocarditis were all significantly associated with increased risk of SEA (OR = 1.54-5.14). Age ≥65 years (HR = 1.45), urinary tract infections (HR = 1.26), decubitus ulcers (HR=1.37), and post-SEA paraplegia (HR = 1.25) were significantly associated with mortality among those with SEA. CONCLUSIONS: As described in previous literature, risk factors for SEA included infections, diabetes, and indwelling catheters. Additionally, clinicians should be aware of the risk factors for mortality in SEA-ESRD patients. As the largest study of SEA to date, our report identifies important risk factors for SEA in ESRD patients, and novel data regarding their mortality-associated risk factors.
Subject(s)
Epidural Abscess/epidemiology , Kidney Failure, Chronic/complications , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Case-Control Studies , Epidural Abscess/etiology , Epidural Abscess/mortality , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Morbidity , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , United States/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
A 29-year-old male paratrooper presented to multiple emergency departments (EDs) and his primary provider multiple times over sequential days. Each time, the patient received the same diagnosis of acute on chronic back pain. The patient was treated conservatively and routine MRI of the lumbar spine was performed 5 days after the last visit. It revealed a lesion occupying nearly all the visualised portion of the spinal canal. The patient was immediately called back for further imaging. The patient was then diagnosed with a foreign body perforating the rectosigmoid colon, an epidural abscess and pelvic osteomyelitis. The patient was immediately taken to the ED where he was found to be septic. The foreign body was surgically removed and determined to be a swallowed toothpick. Urgent surgical decompression of epidural space was also performed. The patient then underwent a prolonged but near complete recovery.