Development of a Spinal Epidural Abscess Masked by Critical Illness. (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chandler, Ben; Francis, James; Harper, Daniel
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Intensive Care Society. Volume 15:Number 3(2014:Jul.)
• Page Start: 235
• Page End: 237
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: epidural abscess -- oesophageal perforation -- oesophageal perforation/diagnosis -- intensive care -- polyneuropathies; Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; Intensive care units -- Periodicals; 616.028
• DOI: 10.1177/175114371401500312
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-1437

Abstract

We describe a case of severe neurological injury secondary to an epidural abscess that developed during the course of critical illness. It was caused by an oesophageal perforation that developed into an invasive abscess while the patient was being treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) for respiratory failure. We discuss spinal epidural abscesses, and the importance of searching for an alternative diagnosis in patients with weakness.