title: Spinal epidural abscess after cervical pharyngoesophageal dilation.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan Medical Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. dekbom@med.umich.edu
authors.forename: Dale C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Ekbom
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: D-Elia
authors.forename: Brandon
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Isaacson
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lamarca
authors.forename: Douglas B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Chepeha
authors.forename: Carol R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Bradford
mesh_terms: 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