SPINAL-CORD ABSCESS IN A HEROIN-ADDICT - CASE-REPORT

Spinal cord abscesses are extremely rare, even in intravenous drug abu sers. They usually have a poor prognosis unless diagnosed and treated promptly. MRI is the best imaging modality for diagnosis and follow-up . We report a 42-year-old man, an active intravenous drug user, HIV ne gative, who developped subacute tetraplegia from an intramedullary abs cess caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Immediate decompressive surgery and antibiotic treatment led to progressive recovery.