Paraspinal Abscess in a Two-year-old Female

Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2019 Dec 17;4(1):59-61. doi: 10.5811/cpcem.2019.10.44857. eCollection 2020 Feb.

Abstract

A paraspinal abscess is an uncommon condition frequently diagnosed late due to equivocal symptoms, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Commonly associated risk factors include prior invasive spinal procedures, diabetes mellitus, trauma, chronic steroid use, malnutrition, intravenous drug use and an immunocompromised state. Pediatric paraspinal abscesses are not well documented in the literature. We report a case of a two-year-old female presenting with fevers, lower back pain, and decreased oral intake ultimately diagnosed with isolated lumbar paraspinal abscess. The patient underwent an ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage of the abscess, subsequently improving, and was discharged within 48 hours of presentation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports