EPIDURAL ABSCESS AFTER LUMBAR DISCOGRAPHY - A CASE-REPORT

Study Design. The patient who suffered from pain in both lower legs an d in whom discography was performed experienced a rare complication af ter discography. The findings and method of discography is described, as is usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging to image this rare comp lication. Objectives. To establish the possibility of getting a spinal epidural abscess after discography, how to make the diagnosis, and ho w to treat the complication. Summary of Background Data. Discitis afte r discography is a well-known complication, but epidural abscess Is ra re. Methods. C-reactive protein concentration was measured and was mor e than 100 mg/L. Infection was suspected, and antibiotic therapy was s tarted immediately. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed, and the diagnosis became clear. A laminotomy was performed. Results. Symptoms due to epidural abscess disappeared soon after laminotomy. Conclusions . Some harmful and unpleasant complications are possible after discogr aphy. Antibiotic prophylaxis and stiletted needles should be used. Mag netic resonance imaging is the best radiologic procedure to image the complication, and surgery must be performed as soon as possible.