Spinal epidural abscess after cervical pharyngoesophageal dilation.
BACKGROUND
Esophageal perforation is an uncommon but known complication of esophageal dilation. Abscess after esophageal tear is rare, especially in the spinal epidural space. This is one case report of such an abscess.


METHODS
We present a case of a spinal epidural abscess after cervical pharyngoesophageal dilation.


RESULTS
After surgical decompression and abscess drainage, long-term intravenous antibiotics, and physical therapy, the patient has regained some functional use of her left upper extremity.


CONCLUSIONS
Early diagnosis with a gadolinium-enhanced MRI and aggressive surgical treatment are keys to successful management with a good functional outcome after this unfortunate complication.
Ekbom
Dale C
DC
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan Medical Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. dekbom@med.umich.edu
D-Elia
Joanna
J
Isaacson
Brandon
B
Lamarca
Frank
F
Chepeha
Douglas B
DB
Bradford
Carol R
CR
D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004947:Esophagus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery