title: Multilevel epidural abscess formation with paraplegia in a healthy 33-year-old man caused by Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).
abstract: We report an unusual case of a devastating multilevel pyogenic spondylitis with paraplegia and soft tissue abscess formation in a previously healthy young man. Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was identified as causal pathogen. The infection could only be managed after surgical debridement of all spinal manifestations and a prolonged course of antibiotic therapy. It is possible that delayed surgical debridement of all infection sites fostered the course of the disease.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Orthopedics 2, Orthopedic University Hospital Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstr. 200a, D-69118 Heidelberg, Germany. rainer.abel@ok.uni-heidelberg.de
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Abel
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: von Baum
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents