Characteristics and predictors of outcome of spontaneous spinal epidural abscesses treated conservatively: a retrospective cohort study in a referral center

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare, but life-threatening infection, which involves a collection of pus in the area between the dura mater and the vertebral periosteum. Prompt recognition and management are essential to prevent disastrous complications and achieve cure. The first description of this entity was made in the eighteenth century by Morgagni, followed by subsequent similar case reports [1,2]. During the first three-quarters of the twentieth century, the incidence of SEA was 0.2 to 1.2 cases per 10,000 hospital admissions in the U.S.A.

Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery - February 25, 2017 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Nikolaos Spernovasilis, Stelios Demetriou, Maria Bachlitzanaki, Ioannis Gialamas, Kalliopi Alpantaki, Georgios Hamilos, Apostolos Karantanas, Achilleas Gikas Source Type: research