Spinal Epidural Abscess

FACTS

 

HPI


Risk factors
distant infectious focus
Diabetes
IVDU
Alcoholism
Liver cirrhosis
onc history
rheum disease
steroid use
Advanced age
Immunosuppression
STI

PHYSICAL EXAM

standard complete spine exam
check for meningismus
check for TTP

IMAGING

 
A/P
  • Echo to r/o vegetations
  • MRI pan-spine w/wo - must image the entire spine before you operate
  • Surg ID C/s
  • BCx
  • Cervical/Thoracic EDA are operative emergencies: thrombophlebitis and cord ischemia
 
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