Unusual case of staphylococcus epidermidis-induced spinal epidural abscess in an adolescent: Clinical insights and diagnostic considerations

Q4 Medicine

Radiology Case Reports Pub Date : 2025-03-15 DOI:10.1016/j.radcr.2025.02.051

Saja Karaja , Ayham Qatza , Mulham Alkassem , Ahmed Aldolly , Ahmed Sheikh Sobeh , Mai Halloum , Amer Al Tawekji , Wardan Almir Tamer MD

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon infection typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus, predominantly affecting older adults with risk factors such as advanced age, comorbidities, and prior surgical interventions. This report details a case involving a 14-year-old male presenting with acute lumbar pain, lower limb weakness, urinary retention, and skin pustules. The patient had no history of immunologic diseases, diabetes, or drug use. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium demonstrated a peripheral fluid signal surrounding the thoracic spinal cord, consistent with an epidural abscess from T9-T12 to L1, causing spinal cord compression. Cultures from the abscess and skin pustules identified Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). The patient underwent surgical drainage and remained stable postoperatively. This case highlights an unusual SEA presentation in an adolescent without typical risk factors, emphasizing the importance of considering atypical pathogens and further investigation into infection sources.

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表皮葡萄球菌诱发青少年脊髓硬膜外脓肿的罕见病例：临床见解和诊断注意事项

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来源期刊

Radiology Case Reports Medicine-Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

CiteScore

1.10

自引率

0.00%

发文量

1074

审稿时长

30 days

期刊介绍： The content of this journal is exclusively case reports that feature diagnostic imaging. Categories in which case reports can be placed include the musculoskeletal system, spine, central nervous system, head and neck, cardiovascular, chest, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, multisystem, pediatric, emergency, women''s imaging, oncologic, normal variants, medical devices, foreign bodies, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, ultrasonography, imaging artifacts, forensic, anthropological, and medical-legal. Articles must be well-documented and include a review of the appropriate literature.