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Reynolds AS. Neuroinfectious Emergencies. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2024; 30:757-780. [PMID: 38830070 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article describes nervous system infections and complications that lead to neurologic emergencies. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS New research on the use of dexamethasone in viral and fungal infections is reviewed. The use of advanced MRI techniques to evaluate nervous system infections is discussed. ESSENTIAL POINTS Neurologic infections become emergencies when they lead to a rapid decline in a patient's function. Emergent complications may result from neurologic infections that, if not identified promptly, can lead to permanent deficits or death. These complications include cerebral edema and herniation, spinal cord compression, hydrocephalus, vasculopathy resulting in ischemic stroke, venous thrombosis, intracerebral hemorrhage, status epilepticus, and neuromuscular respiratory weakness.
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Chen M, Baumann AN, Fraiman ET, Cheng CW, Furey CG. Long-term survivability of surgical and nonsurgical management of spinal epidural abscess. Spine J 2024; 24:748-758. [PMID: 38211902 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare and life-threatening infection within the epidural space with significant functional impairment and morbidity. Active debate remains over whether to operate for SEAs, with limited existing data comparing the long-term survivability after surgical versus nonsurgical management. PURPOSE This study aims to determine the long-term survival of patients who underwent surgical and nonsurgical management for SEA. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE A total of 250 consecutive SEA patients. OUTCOME MEASURES Survival and mortality rates, complications. METHODS All patients treated at a tertiary medical center for a primary SEA from January 2000 to June 2020 are identified. Data collection is by retrospective chart review. Cox proportional hazards regression models are used for all survival analyses while controlling for potential confounding variables and with multiple testing corrections. RESULTS A total of 35 out of 250 patients died with an overall all-cause mortality of 14%. More than half of all deaths occurred within 90 days after treatment. The 90-day, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates are 92.8%, 89.2%, and 86.4%, respectively. Among surgery patients, the all-cause mortality was 13.07%, compared to 16.22% for medically-managed patients. Surgical treatment (decompression, fusion, debridement) significantly reduced the risk of death by 62.4% compared to medical therapy (p=.03), but surgery patients experienced a significantly longer mean length of stay (p=.01). Risk factors of short-term mortality included hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 4+, and cardiac arrest. Risk factors of long-term mortality were immunocompromised state, elevated WBC count >12,000, sepsis, septic shock, ASA 4+, and cardiac arrest (p<.05). In terms of complications, surgically-managed patients experienced a higher proportion of deep vein thrombosis (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS The overall long-term survivability of SEA treatment is relatively high at (86% at 5-year) in this study. The following SEA mortality risk factors were identified: hypoalbuminemia (short-term), immunocompromised state (long-term), leukocytosis (long-term), sepsis and septic shock (long-term), ASA 4+ and cardiac arrest (overall). For primary SEA patients, surgical management may reduce mortality risk compared to nonsurgical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingda Chen
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Anthony N Baumann
- Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 State Route 44. Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Elad T Fraiman
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Christina W Cheng
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Christopher G Furey
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Thavarajasingam SG, Vemulapalli KV, Vishnu K S, Ponniah HS, Vogel ASM, Vardanyan R, Neuhoff J, Kramer A, Shiban E, Ringel F, Demetriades AK, Davies BM. Conservative versus early surgical treatment in the management of pyogenic spondylodiscitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15647. [PMID: 37730826 PMCID: PMC10511402 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41381-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Spondylodiscitis is the commonest spine infection, and pyogenic spondylodiscitis is the most common subtype. Whilst antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment, some advocate that early surgery can improve mortality, relapse rates, and length of stay. Given that the condition carries a high mortality rate of up to 20%, the most effective treatment must be identified. We aimed to compare the mortality, relapse rate, and length of hospital stay of conservative versus early surgical treatment of pyogenic spondylodiscitis. All major databases were searched for original studies, which were evaluated using a qualitative synthesis, meta-analyses, influence, and regression analyses. The meta-analysis, with an overall pooled sample size of 10,954 patients from 21 studies, found that the pooled mortality among the early surgery patient subgroup was 8% versus 13% for patients treated conservatively. The mean proportion of relapse/failure among the early surgery subgroup was 15% versus 21% for the conservative treatment subgroup. Further, it concluded that early surgical treatment, when compared to conservative management, is associated with a 40% and 39% risk reduction in relapse/failure rate and mortality rate, respectively, and a 7.75 days per patient reduction in length of hospital stay (p < 0.01). The meta-analysis demonstrated that early surgical intervention consistently significantly outperforms conservative management in relapse/failure and mortality rates, and length of stay, in patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santhosh G Thavarajasingam
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Reynolds Building, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RP, UK.
- Department of Academic Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Healthcare Trust, Cambridge, UK.
- Imperial Brain and Spine Initiative, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Spondylodiscitis Study Group, EANS Spine Section, Hamburg, Germany.
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Kalyan V Vemulapalli
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Reynolds Building, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RP, UK
- Imperial Brain and Spine Initiative, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sajeenth Vishnu K
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Reynolds Building, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RP, UK
- Imperial Brain and Spine Initiative, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hariharan Subbiah Ponniah
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Reynolds Building, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RP, UK
- Imperial Brain and Spine Initiative, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alexander Sanchez-Maroto Vogel
- Imperial Brain and Spine Initiative, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Robert Vardanyan
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Reynolds Building, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RP, UK
- Department of Academic Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Healthcare Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Imperial Brain and Spine Initiative, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Neuhoff
- Center for Spinal Surgery and Neurotraumatology, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
- Spondylodiscitis Study Group, EANS Spine Section, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Kramer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Spondylodiscitis Study Group, EANS Spine Section, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ehab Shiban
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Spondylodiscitis Study Group, EANS Spine Section, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Ringel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Spondylodiscitis Study Group, EANS Spine Section, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas K Demetriades
- Edinburgh Spinal Surgery Outcome Studies Group, Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Clinical Neurosciences, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh University Hospitals, Edinburgh, UK
- Spondylodiscitis Study Group, EANS Spine Section, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin M Davies
- Department of Academic Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Healthcare Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Spondylodiscitis Study Group, EANS Spine Section, Hamburg, Germany
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Sircar K, Jung N, Kernich N, Zarghooni K, Eysel P, Yagdiran A, Herren C. Risk Factors for Neurologic Deficits in Patients With Spinal Epidural Abscess: An Analysis of One-Hundred-Forty Cases. Global Spine J 2023:21925682231194467. [PMID: 37548223 DOI: 10.1177/21925682231194467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN retrospective study. OBJECTIVES In addition to surgical treatment of spinal epidural abscesses (SEA), a conservative, medical treatment for patients without acute neurologic deficits has been proposed. However, the risk factors for neurologic deficits are unclear. This study aims to identify factors predisposing patients with SEA to neurological impairment. METHODS All patients treated for SEA between 2008 and 2021 were identified from a prospective vertebral-osteomyelitis registry of a tertiary referral centre. Patient demographics, comorbidities, pathogens, degree of osseous destruction, location of SEA and preoperative neurologic status were retrospectively collected. Differences between patients with (Group 1) and without (Group 2) pretreatment neurologic deficits were assessed by univariate and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 140 patients with SEA were included. Forty-three patients (31%) had a neurologic deficit and 97 patients (69%) had no neurologic deficit prior to therapy. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (35% vs 19%, P = .03), median visual analogue scale leg pain (8 vs 5, P = .01), median American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Score (3 vs 2.6, P = .003) and mean Body-Mass-Index (29 vs 26, P = .02) differed between Group 1 and 2 in univariate analysis. In multivariable analysis, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 2.7), female sex (odds ratio = 2.5) and ASA-Score (odds ratio = 2.4) were significant contributors for neurologic deficits. CONCLUSIONS In patients with a SEA without neurologic deficits, the ASA score and diabetes mellitus should be considered, especially in female patients. These patients may be at a higher risk for developing a neurologic deficit and may benefit from an early surgical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnan Sircar
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Norma Jung
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Kernich
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kourosh Zarghooni
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Helios Klinikum Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Peer Eysel
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ayla Yagdiran
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Herren
- Department of Orthopedics, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Pitaro NL, Tang JE, Arvind V, Cho BH, Geng EA, Amakiri UO, Cho SK, Kim JS. Readmission and Associated Factors in Surgical Versus Non-Surgical Management of Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Nationwide Readmissions Database Analysis. Global Spine J 2023; 13:1533-1540. [PMID: 34866455 PMCID: PMC10448106 DOI: 10.1177/21925682211039185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection treated with antimicrobials and, in most cases, immediate surgical decompression. Previous studies comparing medical and surgical management of SEA are low powered and limited to a single institution. As such, the present study compares readmission in surgical and non-surgical management using a large national dataset. METHODS We identified all hospital admissions for SEA using the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD), which is the largest collection of hospital admissions data. Patients were grouped into surgically and non-surgically managed cohorts using ICD-10 coding and compared using information retrieved from the NRD such as demographics, comorbidities, length of stay and cost of admission. RESULTS We identified 350 surgically managed and 350 non-surgically managed patients. The 90-day readmission rates for surgical and non-surgical management were 26.0% and 35.1%, respectively (P < .05). Expectedly, surgical management was associated with a significantly higher charge and length of stay at index hospital admission. Surgically managed patients had a significantly lower risk of readmission for osteomyelitis (P < .05). Finally, in patients with a low comorbidity burden, we observed a significantly lower 90-day readmission rate for surgically managed patients (surgical: 23.0%, non-surgical: 33.8%, P < .05). CONCLUSION In patients with a low comorbidity burden, we observed a significantly lower readmission rate for surgically managed patients than non-surgically managed patients. The results of this study suggest a lower readmission rate as an advantage to surgical management of SEA and emphasize the importance of SEA as a not-to-miss diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas L. Pitaro
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Justin E. Tang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Varun Arvind
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian H. Cho
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric A. Geng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Uchechukwu O. Amakiri
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel K. Cho
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jun S. Kim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Chae HK, Jeong JY, Lee SY, Hwang HM, Shin KI, Park JH, Ji SY, Hong YJ. Clinical Outcomes in Dogs Undergoing Cholecystectomy via a Transverse Incision: A Meta-Analysis of 121 Animals Treated between 2011 and 2021. Vet Sci 2023; 10:395. [PMID: 37368781 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10060395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although many studies have been conducted on the use of median and transverse incisions in various surgeries in the field of human medicine, related studies in veterinary medicine are lacking. This study aimed to present treatment options for dogs requiring cholecystectomy by reporting the pros and cons of 121 cholecystectomies performed via transverse incision at our hospital over 10 years. In most included cases, nonelective cholecystectomy was performed in an unstable emergency situation. The perioperative mortality rate was 23.14%, which was not significantly different from that of cholecystectomy performed via the conventional midline approach. However, the overall operation time (46.24 ± 6.13 min; range 35-65 min) was shortened by securing an adequate surgical field of view. The transverse incision approach facilitates fast and accurate surgery without increasing the fatality rate in small-breed dogs, in whom securing an adequate surgical field of view is difficult. Thus, transverse incision should be actively considered in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy due to emergency conditions, such as bile leakage or biliary tract obstruction, since prolonged anesthesia can be burdensome. This study may improve cholecystectomy outcomes in small-breed dogs with difficult-to-secure surgical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Kyu Chae
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Western Referral Animal Medical Center, Seoul 04101, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Jeong
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Western Referral Animal Medical Center, Seoul 04101, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Yoon Lee
- Department of Statistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Hyun-Min Hwang
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Western Referral Animal Medical Center, Seoul 04101, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-In Shin
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Western Referral Animal Medical Center, Seoul 04101, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Park
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Western Referral Animal Medical Center, Seoul 04101, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Yeoun Ji
- Department of Veterinary Radiology, Western Referral Animal Medical Center, Seoul 04101, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Jung Hong
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Western Referral Animal Medical Center, Seoul 04101, Republic of Korea
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Vanegas Cerna G, Barrientos Castillo RE, Nurmukhametov R, Baldoncini M, López Lara CE, Rosario A, Ogando YE, Ramirez KM, Lafuente J, Chmutin GE, Montemurro N, Ramirez MDJE. Giant Invasive Intradural Extramedullary Lumbar Schwannoma: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e40708. [PMID: 37485228 PMCID: PMC10359865 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors that arise from Schwann cells, which are responsible for producing the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves. They are typically slow-growing and can occur in various locations in the body, including the lumbar region of the spine. We present a case of giant invasive intradural extramedullary schwannoma managed with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and laminectomy with excellent results. A 58-year-old man presented with lower back pain radiating to the right leg for six months. He had no history of trauma or systemic disease. Lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a well-defined mass at the L3-L4 level compressing the right nerve root. The patient was managed with L3-L4-L5 transpedicular fixation and right-side laminectomy L3-L4 for resection of the tumor. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. The patient had a favorable postoperative recovery and experienced a resolution of symptoms. Lumbar schwannomas are rare they can cause significant symptoms and require appropriate diagnosis and management. Microsurgery is the preferred treatment, and endoscopic microsurgery is the most promising technique.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renat Nurmukhametov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, RUS
| | - Matias Baldoncini
- Laboratory of Microsurgical Neuroanatomy, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, ARG
| | | | - Andreina Rosario
- Department of Anatomy, Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), Santo Domingo, DOM
| | - Yamaurys E Ogando
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, RUS
| | - Karina M Ramirez
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, RUS
| | - Jesus Lafuente
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Hospital Universitario del Mar, Barcelona, ESP
| | - Gennady E Chmutin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, RUS
| | - Nicola Montemurro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, ITA
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Walker JK, Cronin JT, Richards BW, Skedros JG. Acute Sternoclavicular Joint Sepsis With Medial Clavicle Osteomyelitis (Staphylococcus aureus) and Cervical-Thoracic Epidural Phlegmon in an Adult Female With No Apparent Risk Factors. Cureus 2023; 15:e35870. [PMID: 37033534 PMCID: PMC10079283 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a case of a 71-year-old female with a history of only one known medical problem (hypertension) who presented with a right sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) infection in addition to (1) a contiguous lower cervical and upper thoracic epidural phlegmon and (2) cellulitis and a phlegmon in her posterior neck, which was subcutaneous and near the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinous processes. These loci of infection developed several days after she had pricked her fingers when cutting rose bushes and were initially considered to be epidural abscesses. However, after the patient was transferred to our tertiary medical center, a neurosurgeon and radiologist determined that the cervicothoracic infections were phlegmons rather than fully developed abscesses. The phlegmons were treated with only IV antibiotics. The SCJ infection was surgically debrided, and the medial clavicle was excised. Bone and fluid cultures grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The patient recovered uneventfully (the final follow-up was four years later). This case is uncommon because of the concurrent SCJ infection with medial clavicle osteomyelitis, cervical-thoracic epidural, and paraspinous phlegmons.
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Pi YW, Gong Y, Jiang JJ, Zhu DJ, Tong YX, Jiang LM, Zhao DX. Extensive spinal epidural abscess caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis: A case report and literature review. Front Surg 2023; 10:1114729. [PMID: 36969757 PMCID: PMC10032522 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1114729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Extensive spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an exceptional and threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and proper management to avoid potentially disastrous complications. We aimed to find key elements of early diagnosis and rational treatments for extensive SEA. Case presentation A 70-year-old man complained of intense pain in the cervical-thoracic-lumbar spine that radiated to the lower extremity. Laboratory test results revealed a marked increase in all indicators of infection. The spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a ventral SEA extending from C2 to L4. Owing to the patient's critical condition, laminectomy, drainage, and systemic antibiotic therapy were administered. And the multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis was detected in the purulent material from this abscess. Results Postoperative MRI revealed diminished epidural abscess, and the clinical symptoms were dramatically and gradually relieved after two rounds of surgery and systemic antibiotic therapy involving the combination of ceftriaxone, linezolid, and rifampicin. Conclusions A comprehensive emergency assessment based on neck or back pain, neurological dysfunctions, signs of systemic infection, and MRI are important for early diagnosis of extensive SEA. Further, the combination of laminectomy, drainage, and systemic antibiotic therapy may be a rational treatment choice for patients with SEA, especially for extensive abscess or progressive neurological dysfunction.
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Persad AR, Mercure-Cyr R, Spiess M, Woo A, Tymchak Z, Wu A, Hnenny L, Fourney DR. Encrypted smartphone text messaging between spine surgeons may reduce after-hours surgery. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2022; 31:3330-3336. [PMID: 36264347 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07423-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE "After-hours" non-elective spine surgery is associated with increased morbidity. Decision-making may be enhanced by collaborative input from experienced local colleagues. At our center, we implemented routine use of a cross-platform messaging system (CPMS; WhatsApp Inc., Mountain View, California) to facilitate quality care discussions and collaborative surgical decision-making between spine surgeons prior to booking cases with the operating room. Our aim is to determine whether encrypted text messaging for shared decision-making between spine surgeons affects the number or type of after-hours spine procedures. METHODS We retrospectively compared the number, type and length of after-hours spine surgery over three time periods: (A) June 1, 2016-May 31, 2017 (baseline control); (B) June 1, 2017-May 31, 2018 (implementation of retrospective quality care spine rounds); and (C) June 1, 2018-May 31, 2019 (implementation of CPMS). A qualitative analysis of the CPMS transcripts was also performed to assess the rate of between-surgeon agreement for timing and type of procedure. RESULTS The mean number of after-hours spine surgeries/month over the three study periods (A, B, C) was 10.83, 9.75 and 7.58 (p = 0.014); length of surgery was 41.82, 33.14 and 25.37 h/month (p = 0.001). Group agreement with the attending spine surgeon plan was 74.3% overall and was highest for the most urgent and least urgent types of indications. CONCLUSIONS Prospective (i.e., prior to booking surgery) quality care discussion for joint decision-making among spine surgeons using CPMS may reduce both the number and complexity of after-hours procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit R Persad
- Division of Neurosurgery, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Rosalie Mercure-Cyr
- Division of Neurosurgery, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Michael Spiess
- Division of Orthopedics, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Allan Woo
- Division of Orthopedics, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Zane Tymchak
- Division of Neurosurgery, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Adam Wu
- Division of Neurosurgery, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Luke Hnenny
- Division of Neurosurgery, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Daryl R Fourney
- Division of Neurosurgery, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada.
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Kreutzträger M, Lübstorf T, Ekkernkamp A, Blex C, Schwab JM, Kopp MA, Auhuber T, Wüstner G, Liebscher T. Spinal infection with intraspinal abscess or empyema and acute myelopathy: comparative analysis of diagnostics, therapy, complications and outcome in primary care. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2022; 48:4745-4754. [PMID: 35657387 PMCID: PMC9712376 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-022-02001-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study on pyogenic spinal infections with intraspinal epidural involvement (PSI +) compared the outcome of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) to those without (noSCI) taking diagnostic algorithm, therapy, and complications into account. METHODS Patients were enrolled in an ambispective study (2012-2017). Diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms, complications, and neurological outcome were analyzed descriptively. Survival was analyzed applying Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. RESULTS In total, 134 patients with a median (IQR) age of 72 (61-79) years were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were similar between the SCI (n = 55) and noSCI (n = 79). A higher percentage of endocarditis (9% vs. 0%; p = 0.03) was detected in the noSCI group. The majority (81%) received combinatorial therapy including spinal surgery and antibiotic treatment. The surgery complication rate was 16%. At discharge, improvement in neurologic function was present in 27% of the SCI patients. Length of stay, duration of ventilation and the burden of disease-associated complications were significantly higher in the SCI group (e.g., urinary tract infection, pressure ulcers). Lethality risk factors were age (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.16, p = 0.014), and empyema/abscess extension (≥ 3 infected spinal segments, HR 4.72, 95% CI 1.57-14.20, p = 0.006), dominating over additional effects of Charlson comorbidity index, SCI, and type of treatment. The overall lethality rate was 11%. CONCLUSION PSI + are associated with higher in-hospital mortality, particularly when multiple spinal segments are involved. However, survival is similar with (SCI) or without myelopathy (noSCI). If SCI develops, the rate of disease complications is higher and early specialized SCI care might be substantial to reduce complication rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kreutzträger
- Treatment Centre for Spinal Cord Injuries, BG Hospital Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Trauma Hospital Berlin, Warener Straße 7, 12683, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Spinal Cord Injury Research, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tom Lübstorf
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Spinal Cord Injury Research, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Axel Ekkernkamp
- Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics Clinic, BG Hospital Unfallkrankenhaus, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Blex
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Spinal Cord Injury Research, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan M Schwab
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Spinal Cord Injury Research, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Spinal Cord Injury Division, Department of Neurology, Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Neurological Institute, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Neurological Institute, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Marcel A Kopp
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Spinal Cord Injury Research, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, QUEST - Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Auhuber
- Medical Management, Trauma Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- University of the German Statutory Accident Insurance (HGU), Bad Hersfeld, Germany
| | - Grit Wüstner
- BG Hospital Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Liebscher
- Treatment Centre for Spinal Cord Injuries, BG Hospital Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Trauma Hospital Berlin, Warener Straße 7, 12683, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Spinal Cord Injury Research, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Kamalapathy PN, Karhade AV, Groot OQ, Lin KYE, Shah AA, Nelson SB, Schwab JH. Predictors of reoperation after surgery for spinal epidural abscess. Spine J 2022; 22:1830-1836. [PMID: 35738500 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Spinal epidural abscess is a rare but severe condition with high rates of postoperative adverse events. PURPOSE The objective of the study was to identify independent prognostic factors for reoperation using two datasets: an institutional and national database. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective Review. PATIENT SAMPLE Database 1: Review of five medical centers from 1993 to 2016. Database 2: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was queried between 2012 and 2016. OUTCOME MEASURES Thirty-day and ninety-day reoperation rate. METHODS Two independent datasets were reviewed to identify patients with spinal epidural abscesses undergoing spinal surgery. Multivariate analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors for reoperation while including factors identified in bivariate analyses. RESULTS Overall, 642 patients underwent surgery for a spinal epidural abscess in the institutional cohort, with a 90-day unplanned reoperation rate of 19.9%. In the NSQIP database, 951 patients were identified with a 30-day unplanned reoperation rate of 12.3%. On multivariate analysis in the NSQIP database, cervical spine abscess was the only factor that reached significance for 30-day reoperation (OR=1.71, 95% CI=1.11-2.63, p=.02, Area under the curve (AUC)=0.61). On multivariate analysis in the institutional cohort, independent prognostic factors for 30-day reoperation were: preoperative urinary incontinence, ventral location of abscess relative to thecal sac, cervical abscess, preoperative wound infection, and leukocytosis (AUC=0.65). Ninety-day reoperation rate also found hypoalbuminemia as a significant predictor (AUC=0.66). CONCLUSION Six novel independent prognostic factors were identified for 90-day reoperation after surgery for a spinal epidural abscess. The multivariable analysis fairly predicts reoperation, indicating that there may be additional factors that need to be uncovered in future studies. The risk factors delineated in this study through the use of two large cohorts of spinal epidural abscess patients can be used to improve preoperative risk stratification and patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod N Kamalapathy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Aditya V Karhade
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, USA, 02114
| | - Olivier Q Groot
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Kuan-Yu Evan Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Akash A Shah
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095
| | - Sandra B Nelson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, USA, 02114
| | - Joseph H Schwab
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Cao J, Fang J, Shao X, Shen J, Jiang X. Case Report: A case of cervical spinal epidural abscess combined with cervical paravertebral soft tissue abscess. Front Surg 2022; 9:967806. [PMID: 36277281 PMCID: PMC9581127 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.967806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare purulent infection of the central nervous system. Abscesses confined to the spinal canal can compress the spinal cord, causing nerve damage and even death in severe cases (1). Prompt diagnosis and treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent complications. To increase awareness of this rare disease, we report a case of a 58-year-old man with a cervical spinal epidural abscess combined with a soft tissue abscess in the neck and describe its clinical course, imaging feature, pathology, treatment, and patient prognosis. Case description A 58-year-old male Chinese patient was admitted to our hospital because of neck pain for 2 months, which worsened for 4 days. On the third day of admission, the muscle strength of the limbs decreased, and MRI of the spinal cord showed abnormal signal shadows in the spinal canal at the C1-C7 level and in the surrounding soft tissue on the right side of spine, suggesting the possibility of inflammatory lesions with local abscess formation. We immediately performed decompression of the spinal canal on the patient and performed incision and drainage of the cervical abscess. During the operation, we found a large amount of pus in the epidural space of the spinal canal, and there was a fistula between the cervical abscess and the epidural abscess of the spinal canal. The patient underwent continuous drainage and anti-infective treatment with sensitive antibiotics after operation. No recurrence of the abscess was observed and the patient recovered well. Conclusion Early diagnosis is the key to the treatment of SEA, so radiologists and neurosurgeons need to strengthen their understanding of this rare disease to avoid misdiagnosis. For SEA with definite diagnosis, decompression surgery should be performed in a timely manner when symptoms of nerve compression occur, continuous drainage should be performed after surgery, and sensitive antibiotics should be used for anti-infective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- Correspondence: Xuefei Shao Jun Cao Jincheng Fang
| | | | - Xuefei Shao
- Correspondence: Xuefei Shao Jun Cao Jincheng Fang
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The Diagnostic Performance of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) in Depiction of Acute Spondylodiscitis in an Emergency Department. Tomography 2022; 8:1895-1904. [PMID: 35894025 PMCID: PMC9332551 DOI: 10.3390/tomography8040160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of acute spondylodiscitis can be very difficult because clinical onset symptoms are highly variable. The reference examination is MRI, but very often the first diagnostic investigation performed is CT, given its high availability in the acute setting. CT allows rapid evaluation of other alternative diagnoses (e.g., fractures), but scarce literature is available to evaluate the accuracy of CT, and in particular of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), in the diagnosis of suspected spondylodiscitis. The aim of our study was to establish MDCT accuracy and how this diagnostic method could help doctors in the depiction of acute spondylodiscitis in an emergency situation by comparing the diagnostic performance of MDCT with MRI, which is the gold standard. Methods: We searched our radiological archive for all MRI examinations of patients who had been studied for a suspicion of acute spondylodiscitis in the period between January 2017 and January 2021 (n = 162). We included only patients who had undergone MDCT examination prior to MRI examination (n = 25). The overall diagnostic value of MDCT was estimated, using MRI as the gold standard. In particular, the aim of our study was to clarify the effectiveness of CT in radiological cases that require immediate intervention (stage of complications). Therefore, the radiologist, faced with a negative CT finding, can suggest an elective (not urgent) MRI with relative serenity and without therapeutic delays. Results: MDCT allowed identification of the presence of acute spondylodiscitis in 13 of 25 patients. Specificity and positive predictive value were 100% for MDCT, while sensitivity and negative predictive value were 68% and 50%, respectively, achieving an overall accuracy of 76%. In addition, MDCT allowed the identification of paravertebral abscesses (92%), fairly pathognomonic lesions of spondylodiscitis pathology. Conclusions: The MDCT allows identification of the presence of acute spondylodiscitis in the Emergency Department (ED) with a satisfactory accuracy. In the case of a positive CT examination, this allows therapy to be started immediately and reduces complications. However, we suggest performing an elective MRI examination in negative cases in which pathological findings are hard to diagnose with CT alone.
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Panspinal Epidural Abscess: A Devastating Complication of Group B Streptococcal Bacteremia. Case Rep Infect Dis 2022; 2022:5028335. [PMID: 35646402 PMCID: PMC9142316 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5028335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background SEAs are infrequent; however, panspinal infections are even rarer, especially when GBS infection is involved. The cornerstone of treatment is based on early diagnosis and use of targeted antimicrobial therapy; in case of cord compression or neurological compromise, urgent surgical intervention should be pursued. Overall, it is an infrequent condition and therefore requires prospective multicenter studies. Case Presentation. We describe a case who presented with diabetic lower extremity wounds; however, soon the patient developed bowel and bladder incontinence in the setting of back pain, secondary to panspinal epidural abscess. The patient's case is unique in two aspects: firstly, it is panspinal, and secondly, its causative agent is GBS. Conclusion Prompt diagnosis of SEA is critical in the preservation of neurological function. Anyone presenting with fevers, back pain, and neurological changes should have urgent MRI evaluation of the spine.
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16
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Hsu TL, Yang CJ, Pao JL. Salmonella spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess successfully treated with unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy and debridement: a rare case report. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605221085405. [PMID: 35321567 PMCID: PMC8958527 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221085405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare but severe infection with potentially devastating consequences. Epidural abscesses caused by Salmonella serogroup C2 are even rarer and tend to be more invasive with multidrug resistance. Early diagnosis, effective use of antibiotics and surgical intervention are the mainstay strategies for managing SEA, especially for more virulent and multidrug-resistant Salmonella infections. This case report presents a rare case of an elderly and fragile woman with Salmonella spondylodiscitis and an extensive epidural abscess, which were successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics and unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) debridement and drainage through four small surgical incisions. After surgery, her fever subsided, she regained consciousness and her low back pain dramatically improved. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed complete resolution of the epidural abscess. At 6 months after surgery, the patient regained muscle strength, ambulated with a walker and had no recurrence of the infection. The UBE technique can effectively eradicate infection while minimizing surgery-related risks and complications. A multidisciplinary team is required to achieve a good outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Li Hsu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Division of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City.,School of Medicine, 34914National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei
| | - Jwo-Luen Pao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City.,General Education Centre, Longhwa University of Science & Technology, Taoyuan
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Laws EJ, Sánchez L, Beltran E, Domínguez E, Ekiri AB, Brocal J, De Risio L. Multicenter Study of Clinical Presentation, Treatment, and Outcome in 41 Dogs With Spinal Epidural Empyema. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:813316. [PMID: 35330611 PMCID: PMC8940254 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.813316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
There is limited information on canine spinal epidural empyema (SEE). The aim of this multicenter retrospective study is to describe the clinical presentation and outcome of dogs undergoing spinal surgery or conservative management for SEE. Forty-one dogs met the inclusion criteria; the SEE was treated surgically in 17 dogs and conservatively in 24 dogs. Two dogs underwent spinal surgery after failure of conservative management, meaning that 19 dogs in total had spinal surgery. Long-term (i.e., >6 months) follow-up was available in 35 dogs (19 conservatively treated and 16 surgically treated dogs). Recovery to a functional pet status was achieved in 15/19 (78.9%) conservatively treated and 12/16 (75%) surgically treated dogs. There was no significant difference (p = 1.000) in long-term outcome between conservatively and surgically treated dogs (78.9 and 75%, respectively). However, significantly more surgically treated dogs were non-ambulatory at presentation (9/17 vs. 5/24, p = 0.048) compared with conservatively treated dogs. This study suggests that conservative treatment may be appropriate for dogs with SEE that are ambulatory at presentation and that surgically treated dogs generally have good outcomes. Age may be a negative prognostic indicator as dogs with poor long-term outcomes were significantly older than dogs with a good long-term outcome (p = 0.048). A larger prospective randomized study may provide further insight on treatment and outcome of SEE in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J. Laws
- Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Solihull, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Emma J. Laws
| | - Lluís Sánchez
- Neurology/Neurosurgery Service, Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Centre, Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Solihull, United Kingdom
| | - Elsa Beltran
- Neurology/Neurosurgery Service, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, Potters Bar, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabet Domínguez
- Diagnostic Imaging Service, Anicura ARS Hospital Veterinari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Abel B. Ekiri
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Josep Brocal
- Neurology/Neurosurgery Service, Anderson Moores, Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Winchester, United Kingdom
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Long B, Carlson J, Montrief T, Koyfman A. High risk and low prevalence diseases: Spinal epidural abscess. Am J Emerg Med 2022; 53:168-172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Liu H, Wang X, Wang W, Sun Y, Guo L, Zhang F, Li J, Zhang P, Zhang W. WITHDRAWN: Spinal epidural abscess with emphasis on early diagnosis and surgical treatment: Report of twenty-five cases and review of literature. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2022.101541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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20
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Richardson C, Wattenbarger S. A case report of quadriplegia and acute stroke from tracking retropharyngeal and epidural abscess complicated by necrotizing fasciitis. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2021; 2:e12524. [PMID: 34378001 PMCID: PMC8328886 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A 59-year-old male presented to the emergency department complaining of severe posterior neck pain and progressive extremity weakness for 2 weeks. He was found to be quadriplegic with complete sensory and motor deficits at the C5 level and hypotensive. Diagnostic imaging revealed discitis/osteomyelitis at the C5-C6 and C6-C7 vertebral levels with multiple spinal epidural abscesses extending from C5-C7 with resulting severe spinal canal narrowing with cord compression. Imaging also showed a right vertebral artery occlusion, acute right posterior cerebral artery infarct, retropharyngeal abscess, and extensive paraspinal soft tissue myonecrosis. Vasopressors and broad-spectrum antibiotics were started. He was then transferred to a tertiary medical center where he underwent emergent cervical spine decompression surgery with laminectomy from C3-C7, paraspinal soft tissue debridement, and abscess incision and drainage. He suffered a complicated hospital course and despite aggressive treatment developed worsening infectious myelopathy and died in the hospital. This case involves the rare presentation of quadriplegia and acute cerebral infarction associated with necrotizing fasciitis and spinal epidural abscesses that originated from a retropharyngeal abscess. To date, there have been no cases documenting such a phenomenon, and epidural abscess has not been known to cause adjacent necrotizing fasciitis. Furthermore, vertebral artery thrombosis via mass effect from local infection leading to acute embolic stroke has never been reported. This report sheds light on rare sequela of a tracking retropharyngeal and epidural abscess. Prompt recognition, diagnosis, and treatment are vital to maintain infectious source control and preserve neurological function, although many develop persistent deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Wattenbarger
- Department of Internal MedicineHarney District HospitalBurnsOregonUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineKaweah Delta Medical CenterVisaliaCaliforniaUSA
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21
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Sati WO, Haddad M, Anjum S. A Case of Spinal Epidural Abscess Presenting with Horner Syndrome. Cureus 2021; 13:e14541. [PMID: 34017656 PMCID: PMC8130198 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon disease, but it is associated with significant morbidity. SEA can be promoted by multiple risk factors. Moreover, the diagnosis of SEA usually requires the presence of a classic triad of back pain, fever, and neurological deficit, hence, the difficulty in making the diagnosis if presented otherwise. Horner syndrome (HS) is an uncommon presentation in association with SEA. Even though nonsurgical versus surgical management of SEA is still controversial, the literature review indicates a preference for surgical decompression as a treatment for SEA presenting with neurological compromise, followed by long-term antimicrobial therapy. The rapidity of making the diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate treatment determine the outcome. We present a case of a 23-year-old male with no past medical history. The patient arrived at the Hamad General Hospital emergency department (ED) with severe upper back pain radiating to his left shoulder, which progressed to numbness and weakness of the left upper limb and spastic paraplegia. A left HS was revealed in a further neurological examination. However, the diagnosis of a spinal epidural abscess (SEA) was made after a left posterolateral epidural abscess extending from C5/6-T2/3 with associated cord compression and edema was revealed on an MRI scan. The patient then underwent a left C7, T1 hemilaminectomy and received antibiotics followed by admission to the rehabilitation unit. Staph. aureus was reported in culture microbiology results. Unfortunately, motor power recovery after the surgery was not significant. Although it is difficult to diagnose SEA, it is crucial to suspect it in the presence of a neurological deficit regardless of the presence or absence of predisposing factors. Nevertheless, HS is not a relatively common finding in association with SEA. In this case report, we have a young patient with SEA who presented with left HS, upper back pain, and progressive neurological deficit in the absence of identifiable risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wala O Sati
- Emergency Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, QAT
| | - Mahmoud Haddad
- Emergency Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
| | - Shahzad Anjum
- Emergency Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
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Epstein NE. Case report (precis): Atypical delayed presentation of cervical spinal epidural abscess. Surg Neurol Int 2020; 11:332. [PMID: 33194266 PMCID: PMC7655989 DOI: 10.25259/sni_603_2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Older patients with spinal epidural abscesses (SEA) may present in an atypical fashion, failing to exhibit the classical triad of pain, fever, and a neurological deficit. Rather, they may be less aware of pain, fail to develop a fever, and attribute their neurological deficit to "old age." Further, their laboratory studies may not be abnormal, and critical findings on MR (i.e., more so than CT studies) may be overlooked. Here, we present an elderly patient with severe upper extremity monoparesis whose cervical SEA was overlooked for months. Case Description Over 10 months, and 6 months ago respectively, the patient had two successive MR scans ordered due to falls; both were interpreted as normal. Within the past few months, a third cervical MR, and an initial CT scan were performed; they both showed "questionable" changes (e.g. cortical irregularity/epidural air) that were largely ignored. When the patient presented to a spine surgeon with severe upper extremity monoparesis, the fourth MR clearly demonstrated a high cervical SEA. Of interest, laboratory findings were normal (e.g. white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP)). The patient successfully underwent an anterior cervical discectomy/and fusion (ACDF); cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus, and he was appropriately managed with intravenous antibiotic therapy. Conclusion This case report (precis) highlights three "teaching" points. First, elderly immunologically compromised patients may not develop the classical SEA triad of pain, fever, and a neurological deficit. Second, laboratory studies may remain normal. Third, it may take longer for abnormal findings to develop on MR/CT studies consistent with SEA in immunocompromised older patients, thus resulting in very delayed surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy E Epstein
- Clinical Professor of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, State University of NY at Stony Brook, New York, United States
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Keys to diagnosis and management of spinal epidural abscesses: 9 years of institutional experience. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 197:106185. [PMID: 32877765 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinal epidural abscesses (SEA's) are a challenge to diagnose, particularly if there are non-contiguous (skip) lesions. There is also limited data to predict which patients can be treated with antibiotics alone and which require surgery. We sought to assess which demographics, clinical and laboratory findings can guide both diagnosis and management of SEA's. METHODS All patients with SEA (ICD9 324.1, ICD10 G06.1) between April 2011-May 2019 at a single tertiary center were included. A retrospective EMR review was completed. Patient and disease characteristics were compared using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS 108 patients underwent initial surgical treatment versus 105 that were treated medically initially; 22 (21 %) of those failed medical management. Patients who failed medical management had significantly higher CRP, longer symptom duration, and had higher rates of concurrent non-spinal infections. 9% of patients had skip lesions. Patients with skip lesions had significantly higher WBC, ESR, as well as higher rates of bacteremia and concurrent non-spinal infections. Demographic characteristics and proportion with IVDU, smoking, malignancy, and immunosuppression were similar among the three treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS 21 % of SEA patients failed initial medical management; they had significantly greater CRP, longer symptom duration, more commonly had neurologic deficits, and concurrent non-spinal infections. 9% of patients had skip lesions; they had significantly higher WBC, ESR, rates of bacteremia and infections outside the spine. These variables may guide diagnostic imaging, and identify those at risk of failing of medical management, and therefore require more involved clinical evaluation, and consideration for surgical intervention.
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Sharfman ZT, Gelfand Y, Shah P, Holtzman AJ, Mendelis JR, Kinon MD, Krystal JD, Brook A, Yassari R, Kramer DC. Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Review of Presentation, Management, and Medicolegal Implications. Asian Spine J 2020; 14:742-759. [PMID: 32718133 PMCID: PMC7595828 DOI: 10.31616/asj.2019.0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in diagnostic medicine, early recognition of SEAs remains elusive. The vague presentation of the disease, coupled with its numerous risk factors, the diagnostic requirement for obtaining advanced imaging, and the necessity of specialized care constitute extraordinary challenges to both diagnosis and treatment of SEA. Once diagnosed, SEAs require urgent or emergent medical and/or surgical management. As SEAs are a relatively rare pathology, high-quality data are limited and there is no consensus on their optimal management. This paper focuses on presenting the treatment modalities that have been successful in the management of SEAs and providing a critical assessment of how specific SEA characteristics may render one infection more amenable to primary surgical or medical interventions. This paper reviews the relevant history, epidemiology, clinical presentation, radiology, microbiology, and treatment of SEAs and concludes by addressing the medicolegal implications of delayed treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Tuvya Sharfman
- Spine Surgery Outcome Group, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Yaroslav Gelfand
- Spine Surgery Outcome Group, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Pryiam Shah
- Spine Surgery Outcome Group, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ari Jacob Holtzman
- Spine Surgery Outcome Group, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Roy Mendelis
- Spine Surgery Outcome Group, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Merritt Drew Kinon
- Spine Surgery Outcome Group, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan David Krystal
- Spine Surgery Outcome Group, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Allan Brook
- Spine Surgery Outcome Group, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Reza Yassari
- Spine Surgery Outcome Group, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - David Claude Kramer
- Spine Surgery Outcome Group, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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25
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Gardner WT, Rehman H, Frost A. Spinal epidural abscesses - The role for non-operative management: A systematic review. Surgeon 2020; 19:226-237. [PMID: 32684428 DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal Epidural Abscesses (SEAs) are traditionally seen as a surgical emergency. However, SEAs can be discovered in entirely asymptomatic patients. This presents a dilemma for the attending clinician as to whether to subject these patients to significant surgery. This systematic review updates the evidence surrounding the efficacy of non-operative SEA management by means of intravenous antibiotics ± radiologically-guided aspiration. AIMS 1. To assess failure rates of medical therapy for SEA. The absolute definition of 'failure' used by the study was recorded, and comparisons made. 2. To review of risk factors for success/failure of medical treatment for SEA. METHODS A database search with the MESH term 'epidural abscess' and keywords ['treatment' OR 'management'] were used. RESULTS 14 studies were included. The number of SEA patients managed non-operatively ranged from 19 to 142. There was significant heterogeneity across the studies. Pooled Failure of Medical Therapy (FMT) (defined as any poor outcome) was 29.40%. When FMT = mortality the pooled rate was 11.49%. Commonly cited risk factors for FMT included acute neurological compromise, diabetes mellitus, increasing age and Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSION SEA will always be a condition mostly managed surgically. Despite this, there is growing evidence that non-operative management can be possible in the correct patients. The key is in patient selection - patients with any of the above-mentioned risk factors have the potential to deteriorate further on medical treatment and have a worse outcome than if they had undergone emergency surgery straight away. Ongoing research will hopefully further investigate this crucial step.
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Affiliation(s)
- W T Gardner
- Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - H Rehman
- Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - A Frost
- Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
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26
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Magrassi L, Mussa M, Montalbetti A, Colaneri M, di Matteo A, Malfitano A, Simoncelli AM, Egitto MG, Bernucci C, Brunetti E. Primary Spinal Epidural Abscesses Not Associated With Pyogenic Infectious Spondylodiscitis: A New Pathogenetic Hypothesis. Front Surg 2020; 7:20. [PMID: 32426366 PMCID: PMC7203469 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) incidence is rising. However, most series do not differentiate between SEAs associated with pyogenic infectious spondylodiscitis (PS) and SEAs limited to the epidural space. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records and radiological images of all patients admitted to our institutions with a diagnosis of SEA not associated with PS between January 2013 and December 2018. Results: We found three males and four females; five of the seven were intravenous drug users. All patients presented with pain: in six, it was associated with acute motor and sensory deficits, while one had only pain and paresthesias. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from abscesses and/or from multiple blood cultures in four patients. Abscesses were localized to the cervical spine in one patient, thoracic in three, lumbar in one, and in two, the SEAs involved multiple segments. All patients but one underwent urgent open surgery. This patient had a multisegmental abscess and was successfully treated by percutaneous aspiration when pain became intractable. After abscess evacuation, the neurological deficits improved in all patients except one. The patients that were treated without spine instrumentation did not develop delayed kyphosis or instability at follow-up. Conclusion: Patients with SEAs not associated with PS are likely to present with pain and motor deficits, appear to benefit from urgent abscess evacuation, and seem to be less dependent on spine instrumentation to avoid delayed spinal deformities compared to SEA associated with PS. Finally, the lack of initial involvement of bone and intervertebral disks may suggest that at least some of the SEAs without PS originate from infection of epidural lymphatic vessels that are not present inside those structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Magrassi
- Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Mussa
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Montalbetti
- Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Neurosurgery Pope John XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marta Colaneri
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angela di Matteo
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonello Malfitano
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Simoncelli
- Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Enrico Brunetti
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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King C, Fisher C, Brown PCM, Priest KC, Tanski M, Sullivan P. Time-to-completed-imaging, survival and function in patients with spinal epidural abscess: Description of a series of 34 patients, 2015-2018. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:119. [PMID: 32059715 PMCID: PMC7023770 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-4973-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare and life-threatening infection with increasing incidence over the past two decades. Delays in diagnosis can cause significant morbidity and mortality among patients. Objective The objective of this study was to describe trends in time-to-imaging and intervention, risk factors, and outcomes among patients presenting to the emergency department with SEA at a single academic medical center in Portland, Oregon. Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from patients with new SEA diagnosis at a single hospital from October 1, 2015 to April 1, 2018. We describe averages to time-to-imaging and interventions, and frequencies of risk factors and outcomes among patients presenting to the emergency department with SEA. Results Of the 34 patients included, 7 (20%) died or were discharged with plegia during the study period. Those who died or were discharged with plegia (n = 7) had shorter mean time-to-imaging order (20.8 h versus 29.2 h). Patients with a history of intravenous drug use had a longer mean time-to-imaging order (30.2 h versus 23.7 h) as compared to those without intravenous drug use. Patients who died or acquired plegia had longer times from imaging completed to final imaging read (20.9 h versus 7.1 h), but shorter times from final imaging read to surgical intervention among patients who received surgery (4.9 h versus 46.2 h). Further, only three (42.9%) of the seven patients who died or acquired plegia presented with the three-symptom classic triad of fever, neurologic symptoms, and neck or back pain. Conclusions SEA is a potentially deadly infection that requires prompt identification and treatment. This research provides baseline data for potential quality improvement work at the study site. Future research should evaluate multi-center approaches for identifying and intervening to treat SEA, particularly among patients with intravenous drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline King
- School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Cameron Fisher
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Patrick C M Brown
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kelsey C Priest
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mary Tanski
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Peter Sullivan
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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28
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Van Baarsel ED, Kesbeh Y, Kahf HA, Patel V, Weng B, Sutjita M. Spinal epidural abscess secondary to gram-negative bacteria: case report and literature review. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 2020; 10:60-64. [PMID: 32128061 PMCID: PMC7034427 DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2019.1705009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare suppurative infection that commonly presents with nonspecific symptoms along with the infrequent triad of fever, back pain, and neurological deficits. Risk factors include diabetes mellitus, intravenous drug use, degenerative disc disease, infection with human immunodeficiency virus, and recent trauma or surgery. Patients with SEA often experience poor outcomes such as permanent neurological deficits, residual motor weakness, and even death. Staphylococcus aureus is the most predominant organism known to cause SEA; however, gram-negative bacteria are isolated in a small percentage of cases. Here we report three cases of SEA caused by gram-negative organisms. Each patient had identifiable risk factors known to increase the risk for SEA, and upon presentation had symptoms of SEA. Upon work up, the patients had positive cultures for gram-negative organisms and MRI imaging confirmed the presence of SEA. One patient made a full recovery while the other two cases resulted in permanent paraplegia. These cases stress the importance of considering SEA even in the presence of gram-negative infections, despite them being a rare cause. Furthermore, these cases emphasize the importance of broad-spectrum antibiotics that cover gram-negative bacteria in patients found to have risk factors along with symptoms of SEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D. Van Baarsel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Riverside University Health System, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Yazeed Kesbeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Riverside University Health System, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Huthayfa A. Kahf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Riverside University Health System, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Vandan Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Riverside University Health System, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Bruce Weng
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Made Sutjita
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
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29
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Longo M, Pennington Z, Gelfand Y, De la Garza Ramos R, Echt M, Ahmed AK, Yanamadala V, Sciubba DM, Yassari R. Readmission after spinal epidural abscess management in urban populations: a bi-institutional study. J Neurosurg Spine 2019; 32:465-472. [PMID: 31756697 DOI: 10.3171/2019.8.spine19790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The incidence of spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is rising, yet there are few reports discussing readmission rates or predisposing factors for readmission after treatment. The aims of the present study were to determine the rate of 90-day readmission following medical or surgical treatment of SEA in an urban population, identify patients at increased risk for readmission, and delineate the principal causes of readmission. METHODS Neurosurgery records from two large urban institutions were reviewed to identify patients who were treated for SEA. Patients who died during admission or were discharged to hospice were excluded. Univariate analysis was performed using chi-square and Student t-tests to identify potential predictors of readmission. A multivariate logistic regression model, controlled for age, body mass index, sex, and institution, was used to determine significant predictors of readmission. RESULTS Of 103 patients with identified SEA, 97 met the inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 57.1 years, and 56 patients (57.7%) were male. The all-cause 90-day readmission rate was 37.1%. Infection (sepsis, osteomyelitis, persistent abscess, bacteremia) was the most common cause of readmission, accounting for 36.1% of all readmissions. Neither pretreatment neurological deficit (p = 0.16) nor use of surgical versus medical management (p = 0.33) was significantly associated with readmission. Multivariate analysis identified immunocompromised status (p = 0.036; OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.1-11.5) and hepatic disease (chronic hepatitis or alcohol abuse) (p = 0.033; OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.1-7.7) as positive predictors of 90-day readmission. CONCLUSIONS The most common indication for readmission was persistent infection. Readmission was unrelated to baseline neurological status or management strategy. However, both hepatic disease and baseline immunosuppression significantly increased the odds of 90-day readmission after SEA treatment. Patients with these conditions may require closer follow-up upon discharge to reduce overall morbidity and hospital costs associated with SEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Longo
- 1Spine Research Group and
- 2Department of Neurological Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; and
| | - Zach Pennington
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yaroslav Gelfand
- 1Spine Research Group and
- 2Department of Neurological Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; and
| | - Rafael De la Garza Ramos
- 1Spine Research Group and
- 2Department of Neurological Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; and
| | - Murray Echt
- 1Spine Research Group and
- 2Department of Neurological Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; and
| | - A Karim Ahmed
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Vijay Yanamadala
- 1Spine Research Group and
- 2Department of Neurological Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; and
| | - Daniel M Sciubba
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Reza Yassari
- 1Spine Research Group and
- 2Department of Neurological Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; and
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30
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Health Care Utilization and Payments of Postoperative and Drug Abuse-Related Spinal Infections. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2019; 44:1449-1455. [PMID: 31145379 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000003102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis of data extracted from the MarketScan database (2000-2016) using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9, ICD-10, and Current Procedural Terminology-4 codes. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the economic costs and health care utilization associated with spine infections. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Spinal infections (SI) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A recent spike in SI is attributed to the drug abuse epidemic. Management of SI represents a large burden on the health care system. METHODS We assessed payments and outcomes at the index hospitalization, 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow up. Outcomes assessed included length of stay, complications, operation rates, and health care utilization. Outcomes were compared between cohorts with spinal infections: (1) with prior surgery, (2) drug abuse, and (3) without previous exposure to surgery or drug abuse, denoted as control. RESULTS We identified 43,972 patients; 15.6% (N = 6847) of patients underwent prior surgery, 3.8% (N = 1,668) were previously expose to drug abuse while 80.6% fell into the control group. Both the postsurgical and drug abuse groups longer hospital stay compared with the control cohort (5 d vs. 4 d, P < 0.0001). Exposure to IV drug abuse was associated with increased risk of complications compared with the control group (43% vs. 38%, P < 0.0001). Payments at 1-month follow-up were significantly (P < 0.0001) higher among the postsurgical group compared with both groups. However, at 12-months follow-up, payments were significantly (P < 0.0001) higher in the drug abuse group compared with both groups. Only postsurgical infections were associated with higher number of surgical interventions both at presentation and 1 year follow up. CONCLUSION SI following surgery or IV drug abuse are associated with higher payments, complication rates, and longer hospital stays. Drug abuse related SI are associated with the highest complication rates, readmissions, and overall payments at 1 year of follow up despite the lower rate of surgical interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
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31
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Keller LJ, Alentado VJ, Tanenbaum JE, Lee BS, Nowacki AS, Benzel EC, Mroz TE, Steinmetz MP. Assessment of postoperative outcomes in spinal epidural abscess following surgical decompression. Spine J 2019; 19:888-895. [PMID: 30537555 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT A spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a serious condition that may be managed with antibiotics alone or with decompressive surgery combined with antibiotics. PURPOSE The objectives of this study were to assess the clinical outcomes of SEA after surgical management and to identify the patient-level factors that are associated with outcomes following surgical decompression and removal of SEA. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective chart review analysis. PATIENT SAMPLE An analysis of 154 consecutive patients who initially presented to a tertiary-care, academic medical center with SEA, and were subsequently treated with surgery between 2010 and 2015 was performed. OUTCOME MEASURES Postoperative predischarge American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) scores, 6-month follow-up encounter AIS scores, need for revision surgery, and mortality during SEA surgery were the primary outcomes.Physiological Measures: AIS scores. METHOD Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to assess the associations between patient-level factors and surgical outcomes. Moreover, an interactive, predictive model for postoperative predischarge AIS score was developed using a proportional odds regression model. There was no funding secured for this study and there is no conflict of interest-associated biases. RESULTS One hundred fifty-four patients (mean age of 58 years) were treated using surgical decompression in addition to antibiotics. The majority of patients were Caucasian (81%) and male (61%). No intraoperative mortality was reported. A second SEA surgery was performed in 8% of patients. A comparison of the preoperative and postoperative predischarge AIS scores showed that 49% of patients maintained a score of E or improved, while 45% remained at their preoperative status and 6% worsened. Among a subset of patients (n=36; 23%) for whom a 6-month follow-up encounter occurred, 75% maintained an AIS score of E or improved, 19% remained at their preoperative status, and 6% worsened. Both the presence and longer duration of preoperative paresis was associated with an increased risk of remaining at the same AIS score or worsening at the predischarge encounter (both p< .001). A predictive model for predischarge AIS scores was developed based on several patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Surgical decompression can contribute to improving or maintaining AIS scores in a high percentage of SEA patients. The presence and duration of preoperative paresis are prognostic for poorer outcomes and suggest that rapid surgical intervention before paresis develops may lead to improved postoperative outcomes. Our modeling tool enables an estimation of probabilities of patients' predischarge condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard J Keller
- Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Vincent J Alentado
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355W. 16th Stt, Goodman Hall Suite 5100, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Joseph E Tanenbaum
- Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Bryan S Lee
- Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Amy S Nowacki
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Edward C Benzel
- Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Thomas E Mroz
- Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Michael P Steinmetz
- Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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32
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Yang X, Guo R, Lv X, Lai Q, Xie B, Jiang X, Dai M, Zhang B. Challenges in diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e14196. [PMID: 30702572 PMCID: PMC6380696 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000014196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition that shows a high prevalence in immunocompromised patients. The clinical presentation of SEA includes the "classic triad" of pain, fever, and neurological dysfunction. However, these nonspecific features can lead to a high rate of misdiagnosis. SEA may lead to paralysis or even death; thus, prognosis of these patients remains unfavorable. PATIENT CONCERNS We report a case of a multilevel (T6-T12) SEA in a 22-year-old woman. DIAGNOSIS The patient was initially diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis at a local hospital based on a history of tuberculosis exposure, as well as radiography and computed tomography. Histopathological examination of the tissue resected during laminectomy confirmed the diagnosis of SEA in this patient. INTERVENTIONS The patient underwent multilevel laminectomy combined with long-term antibiotic therapy. OUTCOMES Physical examination performed 16 months postoperatively revealed that superficial and deep sensation was restored to normal levels in the lower extremities with improvement in the patient's motor function (muscle strength 2/5). LESSONS This case report indicates that whole spine magnetic resonance imaging is warranted in patients with SEA and that prompt surgical intervention is important at symptom onset. Long-term antibiotic therapy is also essential postoperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xin Lv
- Department of Orthopedics
| | - Qi Lai
- Department of Orthopedics
| | | | - Xiaozhen Jiang
- Department of pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yong Wai Zheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Khursheed N, Dar S, Ramzan A, Fomda B, Humam N, Abrar W, Singh S, Sajad A, Mahek M, Yawar S. Spinal epidural abscess: Report on 27 cases. Surg Neurol Int 2017; 8:240. [PMID: 29026676 PMCID: PMC5629861 DOI: 10.4103/sni.sni_105_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal epidural abscess, although an uncommon disease, often correlates with a high morbidity owing to significant delay in diagnosis. METHODS In a prospective 5-year study, the clinical and magnetic resonance (MR) findings, treatment protocols, microbiology, and neurological outcomes were analyzed for 27 patients with spinal epidural abscess. RESULTS Patients were typically middle-aged with underlying diabetes and presented with lumbar abscesses. Those undergoing surgical intervention >36 h after the onset of symptoms had poor neurological outcomes. CONCLUSION Early recognition and timely evacuation of spinal abscesses minimized neurological morbidity and potential mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayil Khursheed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheri-Kashmir-Institute of Medical Sciences, Kashmir, India
| | - Sultan Dar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheri-Kashmir-Institute of Medical Sciences, Kashmir, India
| | - Altaf Ramzan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheri-Kashmir-Institute of Medical Sciences, Kashmir, India
| | - Bashir Fomda
- Department of Microbiology, Sheri-Kashmir-Institute of Medical Sciences, Kashmir, India
| | - Nisar Humam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheri-Kashmir-Institute of Medical Sciences, Kashmir, India
| | - Wani Abrar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheri-Kashmir-Institute of Medical Sciences, Kashmir, India
| | - Sarbjit Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheri-Kashmir-Institute of Medical Sciences, Kashmir, India
| | - Arif Sajad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheri-Kashmir-Institute of Medical Sciences, Kashmir, India
| | - Masood Mahek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheri-Kashmir-Institute of Medical Sciences, Kashmir, India
| | - Shoaib Yawar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheri-Kashmir-Institute of Medical Sciences, Kashmir, India
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Tschugg A, Lener S, Hartmann S, Rietzler A, Neururer S, Thomé C. Primary acquired spondylodiscitis shows a more severe course than spondylodiscitis following spine surgery: a single-center retrospective study of 159 cases. Neurosurg Rev 2017; 41:141-147. [PMID: 28239759 PMCID: PMC5748409 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-017-0829-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spondylodiscitis may arise primarily via hematogenous spread or direct inoculation of virulent organisms during spine surgery. To date, no comparative data investigating the differences between primary and postoperative spondylodiscitis is available. Thus, the purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate differences between these two etiologies. One hundred fifty-nine patients that were treated at our department were included in the retrospective analysis. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the etiology of spondylodiscitis: group NS, primary spondylodiscitis without prior spinal surgery; group S, spondylodiscitis following spinal surgery. Evaluation included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), laboratory values, clinical outcome, and operative or conservative management. Preoperative MRI showed higher rates of epidural and paraspinal abscess in patients with primary spondylodiscitis (p < 0.005). Vertebral bone destruction was more severe in group NS (p < 0.05). Survival rate in group S (98.2%) was higher than in group NS (87.5%, p = 0.024). The extent of the operative procedure in patients who were surgically treated (n = 116) differed between the two groups (p < 0.005). In conclusion, spondylodiscitis is a life-threatening and serious disease and requires long-term treatment. Primary spondylodiscitis is frequently associated with epidural and paraspinal abscess, vertebral bone destruction and has a higher mortality rate than postoperative spondylodiscitis. Therefore, primary spondylodiscitis shows a more severe course than spondylodiscitis following spine surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Tschugg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Sara Lener
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sebastian Hartmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Rietzler
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sabrina Neururer
- Department of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Health Economics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claudius Thomé
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Review with Special Emphasis on Earlier Diagnosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:1614328. [PMID: 28044125 PMCID: PMC5156786 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1614328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon but serious condition with significant morbidity and mortality. The prognosis of SEA is highly dependent on the timeliness of its diagnosis before neurological deficits develop. Unfortunately, often due to its nonspecific presentation, such as back pain, the diagnosis of SEA may be delayed in up to 75% of cases. Although many risk factors for SEA can be found in the published literature, their utility is limited by their frequent lack of objective evidence, numerousness, and absence in a significant proportion of cases. In this review, we call for a more discriminate evidence-based use of the term "risk factor" when discussing SEA and explore several approaches to its earlier diagnosis, including a simple algorithm based on its pathophysiology and serum C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
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Kow CY, Chan P, Etherington G, Ton L, Liew S, Cheng AC, Rosenfeld JV. Pan-spinal infection: a case series and review of the literature. JOURNAL OF SPINE SURGERY 2016; 2:202-209. [PMID: 27757433 DOI: 10.21037/jss.2016.08.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Panspinal infection usually presents with fever, back pain, neurological deficit, and in advanced cases multi-organ failure and septic shock. The choice of treatment for panspinal infection is challenging because these patients are usually medically unstable with severe neurological compromise. The objective of this study is to review management and long term outcomes for patients with panspinal infection. METHODS A retrospective review of patients with panspinal infection treated in our center over a 5-year period [Jan 2010-Dec 2014] and a review of the current published literatures was undertaken. RESULTS We identified 4 patients with panspinal infection. One case was managed medically due to high perioperative risk, whilst the other three were managed surgically whilst on antibiotic therapy. All 3 cases managed surgically improved neurologically and infection subsided, whereas the patient managed medically did not change neurologically and infection subsided. CONCLUSIONS Patients with panspinal infection should be treated surgically unless the medical risk of surgery or anaesthesia is prohibitive.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lu Ton
- Department of Orthopaedics, Alfred Hospital
| | - Susan Liew
- Department of Orthopaedics, Alfred Hospital
| | - Allen C Cheng
- Infection Prevention and Healthcare Epidemiology Unit, Alfred Hospital; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeffrey V Rosenfeld
- Department of Neurosurgery, Alfred Hospital; ; Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Suppiah S, Meng Y, Fehlings MG, Massicotte EM, Yee A, Shamji MF. How Best to Manage the Spinal Epidural Abscess? A Current Systematic Review. World Neurosurg 2016; 93:20-8. [PMID: 27262655 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.05.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A spinal epidural abscess is a medical emergency. Despite urgent surgical intervention and adjuvant antibiotic therapy, neurologic prognosis remains variable and guarded. The optimal approach to managing this condition is debated with substantial variability in clinical practice, dependent on patient demographic and pretreatment neurologic status as well as radiologic appearance. METHODS A systematic search in MEDLINE and similar databases was conducted for literature published from 1990 to 2015 using the search term "spinal epidural abscess", limiting the search results to human studies published in the English language. Case series that consisted of fewer than 10 patients were excluded. The evidence strength was graded according to the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria. RESULTS The search yielded 1843 patients from 34 retrospective case series. Ten studies compared surgical and medical management, with no significant difference in patients with good outcome (odds ratio, 0.65; P = 0.11) or neurologic improvement (odds ratio, 1.11; P = 0.69). However, failure rates after initial medical management requiring surgical intervention ranged from 10% to 50%. Three of 4 studies evaluating timing of surgery reported large effect sizes for neurologic outcome if early surgery was performed (P < 0.01). Other prognostic factors from a neurologic perspective included admission neurologic status, patient age, and diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS Surgery with adjuvant antibiotics remains the optimal treatment for the neurologically symptomatic patient with spinal epidural abscess. If antibiotic therapy alone is considered for the neurologically intact patient, we recommend interdisciplinary medical and surgical consultations with an in-depth dialogue on the potential for failure in isolated medical management and the recommendation for close neurologic monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suganth Suppiah
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ying Meng
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eric M Massicotte
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Albert Yee
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mohammed F Shamji
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Techna Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.
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