Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Cureus
Abstract
Spinal epidural abscesses are insidious infections spread via hematologic, contiguous, or iatrogenic routes. On average, spinal epidural abscesses span two to four vertebral segments and are most commonly localized to the thoracic region. Fever, back pain, and neurological deficits are the most common clinical manifestations. However, the triad of these findings are not always detected. Patients may present with subtle symptoms leading to misdiagnosis and poor prognosis. We present a case of a large, anteriorly located, spinal epidural abscess in a patient originally admitted for dyspnea and confusion.
DOI
10.7759/cureus.4084
Publication Date
2-16-2019
Keywords
epidural abscess, infection, motor weakness, paresthesias, pyogenic infection, spinal canal, spinal cord compression, spinal epidural abscess
ISSN
2168-8184
Recommended Citation
Barner K, Yuquimpo KM, McMillan DA, Shaw EM. A Unique Presentation of a Large, Seven-segment, Spinal Epidural Abscess in a Patient with a Pleural Empyema. Cureus. 2019; 11(2). doi: 10.7759/cureus.4084.
