AI Article Synopsis
- A 63-year-old man developed severe weakness in all limbs three weeks after having pneumococcal meningitis, prompting an MRI which indicated an extradural abscess in his spine.
- The patient underwent cervical laminectomy to drain the abscess, which was caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, and was treated with antibiotics for six weeks.
- Remarkably, he made a full recovery and was able to walk without assistance six weeks after the procedure, highlighting the importance of timely intervention in spinal epidural abscess cases to prevent permanent nerve damage.
Article Abstract
A 63-year-old male presented with marked quadriparesis, three weeks after a pneumococcal meningitis. The MRI-scan was suggestive for extradural abscess in the craniocervical region extending into the lower thoracic spine. Cervical laminectomy was performed and a large abscess was drained. Culture revealed Streptococcus pneumoniae sensitive to benzylpenicillin. The patient was treated with antibiotics for six weeks. His neurological condition recovered completely, and he walked normally, without support, 6 weeks later. Pneumococcal infection of the extradural space is rare. The course of spinal epidural abscess is unpredictable and may present with quadriplegia. Complete recovery of the neurological deficit may occur if the abscess is drained before any ischaemic insult occurs to the cord.
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