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.
Sir Humphry Davy Department of Anaesthesia, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
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Mercer
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McIndoe
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