Large Spinal Abscess in a Neonate

Neurol India. 2020 Nov-Dec;68(6):1456-1458. doi: 10.4103/0028-3886.304112.

Abstract

Spontaneous spinal epidural abscess is rare entity in neonates. These are surgical emergency in which early diagnosis and prompt decompression is necessary to avoid permanent cord damage. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings of paraplegia supported by radiological findings on an MRI. We found a large extra spinal abscess in an infant that on further evaluation showed a communicating epidural component, yet the baby was neurologically intact. The abscess was drained in emergency with clearance of epidural component and appropriate antibiotics instituted for Streptococcus pyogenes as per sensitivity. The patient is doing well at 6 months follow up.

Keywords: Extra-spinal; epidural; neonate; spinal abscess; spontaneous.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Epidural Abscess* / diagnostic imaging
  • Epidural Abscess* / surgery
  • Epidural Space
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Paraplegia

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents