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Spinal epidural abscess

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Amy Louis  and
Christopher M.B. Fernandes
Amy Louis
Affiliation:
McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.
Christopher M.B. Fernandes*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ont.
*
Emergency Medicine, Hamilton Health Sciences, 237 Barton St. E, Hamilton ON L8L 2X2

Abstract

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Spinal epidural abscess is an uncommon condition. Predisposing factors include spinal surgery, recent trauma, immunosuppression, a distal site of infection and intravenous drug use; however, these are not always present, as illustrated by this case report describing a patient who had repeated emergency department visits and delayed diagnosis that was ultimately confirmed via magnetic resonance imaging.

Keywords

spinal epidural abscessurinary retentionback pain
Type
Case Report • Observations de cas
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 7 , Issue 5 , September 2005 , pp. 351 - 354
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2005

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