Journal List > J Korean Orthop Assoc > v.52(4) > 1013539

Yu, Choi, Kim, and Park: Serratia marcescens Spinal Epidural Abscess Following Caudal Epidural Injection

Abstract

Spinal infection due to Serratia marcescens is very rare. A 78-year-old male patient withoutany risk factor was admitted to our hospital with chief complaints of severe back pain, fever, weakness in both legs, and bowel dysfunction, following caudal epidural injection. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed spondylodiscitis with epidural abscess. Surgical decompression was performed and the epidural abscess was removed. The cultures isolated S. marcescens, which can cause nosocomial infection in immunocompromised patient. However, to the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of S. marcescens spinal epidural abscess following epidural injection, with literature review.

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Figure 1
T2-weighted magnetic resonance sagittal image (A) and axial images (B, C) showing abscess located in the posterior epidural space at the L2–3 level and anterior epidural space at the L4 level.
jkoa-52-359f1.tif
Figure 2
T1-weighted gadoliniumenhanced axial images at the L2–3 (A) and L4–5 intervertebral disc level (B) show an abscess with rim-enhancement compressing the dural sac.
jkoa-52-359f2.tif
Figure 3
Red pigmentation of Serratia marcescens discharged from wound blood-red (A) compared with other usual open wounds (B).
jkoa-52-359f3.tif
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