Neglected intramedullary cord abscess in a 3-year old child: a case report

Childs Nerv Syst. 2008 Jan;24(1):153-5. doi: 10.1007/s00381-007-0421-7. Epub 2007 Jul 21.

Abstract

Background: Intramedullary spinal cord abscesses are rare and can be potential harmful lesions that cause a variety of neurologic problems. It is a treatable cause of paraparesis; however, diagnosis is not often straightforward due to the indolent course and rarity of the disease.

Case report: We report a case of a 32-month-old boy referred to our institution with a neglected intramedullary cord abscess after 6 months.

Conclusion: Strong clinical suspicion, in addition to prompt surgical drainage with proper antibiotic therapy, seems crucial in prevention of permanent neurological disability.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / complications
  • Abscess / diagnosis*
  • Abscess / therapy
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Paraparesis / diagnosis
  • Paraparesis / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / complications
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents