J Korean Pain Soc.  1996 Nov;9(2):434-438.

Epidural Abscess Following Epidural Catheterization: Two cases

• Park JH
• Kang SK
• Han YJ
• Choe H

Abstract

Epidural abscess is associated with placement of epidural catheter is very rare. We experienced two cases of epidural abscess formation after placement of epidural catheter for pain management. A 63 years old female patient received thoracic epidural catheterization for management of pain due to herpes zoster on right T4 dermatome. Two weeks after catheterization, she complained of paraparesis and anesthesia below T4 dermatome. Four weeks later magnetic resonance images was performed and revealed epidural abscess on T2-T5. Emergent decompressive laminectomy was performed but neurologic symptoms were not improved. In other case, a 75 years old male patient received lumbar epidural catheterization for management of Buergers disease. About one month later, pus was aspirated from lumbar epidural space. But further evaluation could not be achieved because he wanted to discharge against advice. We emphasize that epidural abscess results sequele serious and prompt diagnosis and treatment is important.

Keyword

Complication: epidural abscess; Technique: epidural catheterization

MeSH Terms

Aged
Anesthesia
Catheterization*
Catheters*
Diagnosis
Epidural Abscess*
Epidural Space
Female
Herpes Zoster
Humans
Laminectomy
Male
Middle Aged
Neurologic Manifestations
Pain Management
Paraparesis
Suppuration
Thromboangiitis Obliterans