Epidural abscess causing cauda equina syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Spinal epidural abscesses are uncommon but are well documented in the literature as a serious causes of mortality and long-term neurological morbidity.


OBJECTIVE
We describe a case of a 57-year-old female who presented to Accident and Emergency with an acute exacerbation of long standing mild lower back pain with symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and a systemic infective process.


CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis of this condition requires a high index of suspicion. This report demonstrates that with adequate decompression and appropriate antimicrobial treatment a good outcome is achievable.
Lenehan
B
B
Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4. brian@blenehan.com
Sullivan
P
P
Street
J
J
Dudeney
S
S
D000208:Acute Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011128:Polyradiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology