Abscesso espinhal epidural por disseminação hematogênica: relato de caso

Abstract

Spinal epidural abscess is a rare and difficult disease to diagnose, and the main prognostic factor is the early diagnosis. Most patients, however, have their diagnosis delayed to when they already have neurological symptoms that may remain after treatment. In most cases, the initial symptoms are back pain, fever and paralysis. Treatment is based on empirical antibiotic therapy and, if there is no contraindication, decompression and surgical drainage. We report the case of a patient who suffered sudden paralysis of the inferior members. Initially suspected as transverse myelitis, the case evolved, allowing the diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess in T6, T7 and T8, caused by hematogenous spread of Staphylococcus aureus.