title: Spinal epidural abscess in children: two illustrative cases.
abstract: The diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess is often delayed until the onset of rapidly deteriorating neurologic function. To illustrate the variability of presenting symptoms with this disease, two contrasting cases are presented. The pathogenesis of the disorder, bacterial etiologies, diagnostic modalities, and treatment alternatives are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, Tacoma, Washington 98405-0987.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Schweich
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Hurt
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004824:Epidural Space; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy