Spinal Infections
A 58-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetes and recent intravenous drug use presents with severe back pain for 5 days, now with urinary retention and progressive lower limb weakness over 24 hours. He has a temperature of 38.8°C. MRI shows a dorsal epidural collection from T10-L1 with spinal cord compression and cord signal change. Regarding spinal epidural abscess:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
Spinal epidural abscess is a surgical emergency with potential for rapid neurological deterioration;...
Staphylococcus aureus is the causative organism in 60-70% of cases (including MRSA in endemic areas)...
Epidural abscess is a benign condition that rarely causes neurological problems; the cervical spine ...
MRI with gadolinium is the imaging modality of choice showing epidural collection with rim enhanceme...
Treatment: emergent surgical decompression (laminectomy with debridement) is indicated for neurologi...
Answer the questions to see explanations
Click T (True) or F (False) for each option