Cervical spinal epidural abscess after oesophagoscopy.
BACKGROUND
Spinal epidural abscess is an uncommon entity, especially in the cervical region.


METHODS
We report a patient with epidural abscess, vertebral osteomyelitis and discitis in the cervical spine that was caused by iatrogenic perforation of the pharynx during diagnostic oesophagoscopy, which has not been recorded previously in the literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Cervical spinal epidural abscess may be caused by iatrogenic perforation of pharyngeal wall during diagnostic oesophagoscopy. Early diagnosis with an MRI and surgical treatment with antimicrobial chemotherapy are keys to successful management of this rare and life-threatening complication.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. rd@yubc.net
Danilo
D
Radulovic
Ljiljana
L
Vujotic
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D015299:Discitis / Q000209:etiology; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000209:etiology*; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000209:etiology; D010614:Pharynx / Q000293:injuries*