Co-incidental diagnosis of an extradural abscess while siting an extradural catheter for postoperative analgesia.
Extradural abscess is a rare but serious complication of the extradural route of administration of analgesic drugs. We report a case of spontaneous extradural abscess diagnosed during placement of an extradural catheter for analgesia after a negative diagnostic laparotomy. Magnetic resonance imaging is the usual diagnostic tool of choice. This, and subsequent surgery, confirmed the diagnosis suspected after drainage of pus through the Tuohy needle.
Mercer
M
M
Sir Humphry Davy Department of Anaesthesia, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
McIndoe
A
A
D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000368:Aged; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy