Tuesday, June 28, 2011

epidural abscess

(Sep-2004 Q4) Outline the diagnostic criteria for an epidural abscess

high index of suspicion, may also occur spontaneously without spine/epidural instrumentation

minor
fever- after excluding other causes

procedure: difficult epidural, multiple attempts, no aspetic technique

patient factors: systemic sepsis, DM, immunocompromised

major:
localised back cellulitis
neurological signs- cauda equina, LL weakness, loss of sensation, persistent back pain
MRI findings


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