Korean J Pain.  2006 Dec;19(2):266-270. 10.3344/kjp.2006.19.2.266.

Epidural Abscess after Implantation of Epidural Port in Cancer Pain Patient: A case report

• Lee SY
• Kang MH
• Kim YH
• Lee PB

• KMID: 2073944
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2006.19.2.266

Abstract

A case of an epidural abscess, a rare but possibly devastating complication of epidural instrumentation and catheterization, which occurred in a cancer pain patient with an epidural port connected to the epidural catheter, is described. Although cases of a catheter related epidural abscess have been intermittently reported, those following epidural port implantation are very rare, with no case having been reported in Korea. Herein, the case of a 31-year-old man, who developed an epidural abscess 54 days after subcutaneous implantation of an epidural port connected to an epidural catheter, is reported. Methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus was detected in a culture of the purulent discharge. Magnetic resonance imaging was essential, not only for the diagnosis of the epidural abscess, but also for determining the extent of spread. The patient refused further evaluation and treatment, and expired 22 days later.

Keyword

epidural abscess; epidural port

MeSH Terms

Adult
Catheterization
Catheters
Diagnosis
Epidural Abscess*
Humans
Korea
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Staphylococcus aureus