Spinal subdural Staphylococcus aureus abscess: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Spinal subdural abscesses (SSA) are rare and to date only 57 cases have been reported. The exact incidence of the SSA is unknown. The most affected region is the thoraco-lumbar spine and the most common bacterial source is Staphylococcus aureus. The timing for magnetic resonance imaging is very important in these patients. Because early diagnosis and emergent treatment is vital to prevent the formation or progression of neurologic deficits.

Papilledema as a manifestation of a spinal subdural abscess

“…Spinal bacteria abscesses are associated with high morbidity and mortality and most frequently involve the epidural rather than subdural space [6,7]. SSA are rare with approximately 70 cases reported in the literature [6][7][8][9][10][11]. They are most commonly located in the thoraco-lumbar spine with Staphylococcus aureus as the most frequent causative agent [6,8].…”

“…Our case is distinct because papilledema was a main manifestation of subdural spinal abscess (SSA) following spinal surgery. Spinal bacteria abscesses are associated with high morbidity and mortality and most frequently involve the epidural rather than subdural space [6,7]. SSA are rare with approximately 70 cases reported in the literature [6][7][8][9][10][11].…”

Purulent Meningitis Caused by Actinomyces Successfully Treated with Rifampicin: A Case Report

“…However, a progressively growing mass lesion was found in the lumbar region associated with the prolonged inflammation in CSF. Because the mass lesion was enhanced throughout with gadolinium, it was felt to be most consistent with granulation tissue, as opposed to an abscess or subdural empyema which usually present with circumferential contrast enhancement (12). We could not rule out the possibility that the lumbosacral granuloma was caused by a different, second pathogen that was resistant to ampicillin.…”

Rapidly progressive lumbar subdural empyema following acromial bursal injection

“…This is also likely the mechanism that explains the development of a spinal subdural empyema following meningitis. 1 …”

“…1 They are most commonly found in the thoracic or lumbar regions, with Staphylococcus aureus being the typical causative organism. These lesions are commonly detected with contrast-enhanced MRI, which is frequently prompted in the setting of severe back pain with fever or neurological deficit.…”