Clinical Image
Panspinal Epidural Abscess
Kevin Yuqi Wang1* and Izlem Izbudak2
1Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, USA
2Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
*Corresponding author: Kevin Yuqi Wang, Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
Published: 27 Jan, 2017
Cite this article as: Wang KY, Izbudak I. Panspinal Epidural
Abscess. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2017; 2: 1239.
Clinical Image
A 41-year-old man with recent intravenous drug use presented with 2 weeks of progressively
worsening neck and low back pain, four days of bilateral upper and lower extremity weakness, and
urinary retention. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a T2/STIR hyperintense posterior
epidural collection, suggestive of a spinal epidural abscess (SEA), extending throughout the epidural
space of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine (Figure 1). Axial T2-weighted imaging revealed compression of the cord with associated intramedullary T2 hyperintensity (Figure 2A). Large fluid collections within the right paraspinal muscles (Figure 2B) and bilateral psoas muscles are consistent with additional soft tissue abscesses.
A C2-L5 laminectomy was performed for evacuation of the SEA. Postoperatively, patient was
ventilator- and vasopressor-dependent, and quadriplegic with no sensation to light touch or pain
below the clavicle, but was alert, oriented, and following commands. Blood cultures and the epidural
fluid collection were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and appropriate
antibiotics were started. Patient’s neurological exam slightly improved with positive shoulder shrug
and minimal sensation to the left upper extremity on postoperative day five and six, respectively. The
patient underwent tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy tube, and peripherally
inserted central catheter placement on postoperative day ten. On postoperative day fifteen, patient’s
exam demonstrated marginal improvement with additional trace movement of the left fingers and
minimal strength in the left triceps. The remainder of the neurological exam remained unchanged
throughout the hospital course. Patient was ultimately discharged to a ventilator rehabilitation
facility on postoperative day fifty-five.
SEA is a rare entity, with distinctive MRI features of T1 iso- or hypointensity, T2 hyperintensity,
and gadolinium rim enhancement [1]. Staphylococcus aureus is the most commonly isolated
organism. Hematogenous spread from distant infectious foci comprise the majority of cases,
although in approximately 20% of cases the source of infection is not identified. Predisposing
conditions include intravenous drug abuse, diabetes mellitus, trauma, and alcoholism [1]. SEA
typically extends three to four vertebral levels [1], but rare cases involving the whole spine, leading to so-called panspinal infection, have been reported [2,3]. The majority of retrospective studies favors surgical drainage with concurrent antibiotic use as the treatment of choice [1]. However, nonsurgical management of a SEA extending the whole spine may be considered, given the potential impracticality of extensive multilevel laminectomies [1].
Reports of studies demonstrating similar results between combined
medical and surgical therapy versus medical therapy alone have
been described, albeit seldomly [4]. In one case, a patient with pan-
SEA was successfully treated under medical therapy, with complete
symptomatic resolution and no recurrence after one year [3].
Ultimately, the optimal treatment for SEAs is difficult to ascertain via
prospective, randomized studies given the rare incidence and grave
outcome of this infectious entity.
Consideration of less extensive surgical interventions may be an
appropriate alternative in treating pan-SEA when confronted with
the surgical-related morbidity of extensive multilevel laminectomies.
Recent reports of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of
multilevel spinal epidural abscesses have been described. For example,
minimally invasive tubular retractor microsurgery for the treatment
of multilevel spinal epidural abscess resulted in favorable outcomes
in three patients [5]. Catheterization and irrigation via a surgicallyexposed
posterior interlaminar approach for drainage of the abscess
demonstrated complete recovery in 9 out of 10 patients [6].
Overall, when presented with the rare instance of a pan-SEA,
minimally invasive or non-surgical management may be a reasonable
consideration as an alternative to multilevel decompressive
laminectomy.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Sagittal STIR images reveal a hyperintense posterior epidural collection extending throughout the
cervical (A), thoracic (B), and lumbar (C) spine.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Axial T2-weighted imaging demonstrates cord compression by
the posterior epidural collection with associated intramedullary increased
T2 signal (A, yellow arrow). Sagittal T2-weighted imaging reveals large
fluid collections within right paraspinal muscles consistent with soft tissue
abscesses (B, white arrow).
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