Acute central cord syndrome arising from a cervical epidural abscess: case report.
OBJECTIVE
Acute central cord syndrome (ACCS) is a well-known sequela to spinal trauma but has rarely been associated with nontraumatic etiologies. Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) and spinal osteomyelitis/discitis are also well characterized clinical entities. Neither SEA nor osteomyelitis leading to ACCS has been previously reported.


METHODS
In this report, a patient presented with refractory neck pain after minor trauma followed by development of left hand weakness and paresthesia, which progressed to a classic central cord injury clinical pattern over a period of 4 weeks.


METHODS
Imaging and laboratory studies were consistent with SEA and osteomyelitis. Motor evoked potentials obtained during surgery definitively corroborated the clinical diagnosis of ACCS and supported a long tract pathophysiology.


CONCLUSIONS
ACCS may be caused by SEA.
Trombly
Robert
R
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
Guest
James D
JD
D000208:Acute Disease; D020210:Central Cord Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009187:Myelitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery