title: Epidural extension of infected chest wall haematoma and empyema causing spinal cord compression.
abstract: We report a case of thoracic epidural extension of an infected extra-pleural and chest wall haematoma with evidence of spinal cord compression and signs of cauda equina. Emergency spinal cord decompression with laminectomy followed by thoracotomy was performed.
authors: Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand. Electronic address: Marilyn.Wong@waikatodhb.health.nz.
authors: Marilyn
authors: M
authors: Wong
authors: Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand.
authors: Laxmi
authors: L
authors: Lanka
authors: Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand.
authors: Zakier
authors: Z
authors: Hussain
authors: Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand.
authors: Grant
authors: G
authors: Parkinson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006406:Hematoma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013908:Thoracotomy
keywords: Chest injuries; Empyema; Epidural abscess; Spinal cord compression; Thoracic injuries