Epidural abscess in an obstetric patient.
Epidural abscess is a rare complication of epidural block and occasionally presents in the post partum period. A case is described where a thoracolumbar abscess presented with backache and headache 10 days after an apparently uneventful block for labour and caesarean section. The abscess was treated medically with a satisfactory outcome. The literature is reviewed in order to assess several recent reports of infectious complications of epidural block in obstetric patients.
Collier
C B
CB
Department of Anaesthesia, Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales.
Gatt
S P
SP
D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011645:Puerperal Infection / Q000209:etiology*