Abscess Epidural Spinal

Abscess of the epidural spaces (Epidural abscess) is one of the complications of cauda equina syndrome, caused by the development of a purulent process inside the epidural space of the spine, spreading in the direction from the contours of the epidural tissue between the dura mater and the spine up to the spinal cord.

The abscess process is rarely isolated. Usually the lesion is localized parasagittally, at the mouth of the spinal canal, most often in the transition segment. It is characterized by a tendency toward a multifocal location, manifested by the spread of pus-containing fluid to the lateral parts of the epidural intercapsular space.

The etiological factors in almost all cases are open injuries of the knee joint (wounds and open fractures) and acute purulent diseases of the abdominal organs, accompanied by parenchymal and peripancreatic infiltration and pseudoatrophic deformations of the skin in the perineum and gluteal region. Hyperemia, swelling and tenderness suggest an abscess; the examination must necessarily include a puncture of either the epidura (depending on the location of the lesion), or the pleural and abdominal cavities. If there is an abscess at the puncture site, fluctuation is determined. The course of the needle makes it possible to determine the location of the abscess. Outcomes depend on the location of the abscess and its distribution