title: Thoracic intradural Aspergillus abscess formation following epidural steroid injection.
abstract: We report an extremely unusual iatrogenic infection of the spinal canal with Aspergillus fumigatus that resulted in intradural abscess formation following epidural steroid injection in an immunocompetent young individual. Although the imaging findings of the infection were relatively nonspecific, MR imaging not only allowed for a prompt diagnosis, but also helped in surgical localization to the intradural compartment. Complications from the use of these injections are briefly discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Gaurav
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Saigal
authors.forename: M Judith
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Donovan Post
authors.forename: Dusko
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kozic
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D001232:Aspergillus fumigatus; D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D007268:Injections, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007796:Laminectomy; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D012086:Reoperation; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013129:Spinal Puncture; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids