Acute spinal epidural abscess without concurrent spondylodiscitis - Successful closed treatment in 10 cases

We performed a retrospective survey of the clinical records and radiologica l examinations of 10 patients with a diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess, without spondylodiscitis. All patients had an acute onset of fever and loca l or radiating back pain. 3 patients had mild, and 1 patient severe neurolo gical symptoms. The diagnosis and subsequent regression of the abscess afte r treatment were verified by MRI. In all cases, the imaging findings includ ed signs of septic arthritis in an adjoining facet joint. 7/10 abscesses we re located in the lumbar region. Blood cultures showed Staphylococcus aureu s as the etiological agent in 8/10 patients. In 2 cases, no agent was found , probably due to ongoing antibiotic therapy when the cultures were taken. All patients were treated successfully using antibiotics alone, with comple te regression of the neurological symptoms.