Korean J Spine.  2015 Sep;12(3):139-142. 10.14245/kjs.2015.12.3.139.

Rapidly Progressive Gas-containing Lumbar Spinal Epidural Abscess

• Bang JH
• Cho KT

• KMID: 2288335
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14245/kjs.2015.12.3.139

Abstract

Gas-containing (emphysematous) infections of the abdomen, pelvis, and extremities are well-known disease entities, which can potentially be life-threatening. They require aggressive medical and often surgical treatment. In the neurosurgical field, some cases of gas-containing brain abscess and subdural empyema have been reported. Sometimes they progress rapidly and even can cause fatal outcome. However, gas-containing spinal epidural abscess has been rarely reported and clinical course is unknown. We report on a case of rapidly progressive gas-containing lumbar spinal epidural abscess due to Enterococcus faecalis in a 72-year-old male patient with diabetes mellitus.

Keyword

Epidural abscess; Spine; Enterococcus faecalis

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Aged
Brain Abscess
Diabetes Mellitus
Empyema, Subdural
Enterococcus faecalis
Epidural Abscess*
Extremities
Fatal Outcome
Humans
Male
Pelvis
Spine