A Rare Case of Extensive Spinal Epidural Abscess in a Diabetic Patient

Abstract

In Brief Study Design. Case report. Objective. We report a rare case of extensive spinal epidural abscess in a patient with diabetes. Summary of Background Data. Spinal epidural abscess is a very uncommon infection that requires prompt recognition and proper management to avoid potentially disastrous complications. This lesion can expand to compress the spinal cord causing severe symptoms and complications. Methods. Combination of the patient clinical history, physical examination, laboratory results, radiologic and intraoperative findings along with brief related literature review. Results. We present a rare case of spinal epidural abscess extending to the entire length of the spinal cord in a previously undiagnosed patient with diabetes. Conclusion. Diabetes is an important condition that can predispose an individual to the development of localized or extensive spinal epidural abscess. Spinal epidural abscess is a very uncommon infection that requires prompt recognition and management to avoid disastrous complications. These lesions can compress the spinal cord, causing severe symptoms, permanent complications, or even death. We present a rare case of spinal epidural abscess involving the entire length of the spinal cord.