Paravertebral abscess with rupture into the pleura or lung

Six cases are described in which a paravertebral abscess, dependent upon spinal caries, ruptured into the pleura or lung. Five of these cases were due to tuberculosis and one to actinomycosis.

An analysis is made of the clinical course followed by these patients. It is shown that prodromal symptoms suggestive of rupture of the abscess into the pleura or lung were manifested in each instance, and were present for a sufficient length of time to permit of therapy, which might on occasion prevent that catastrophe. Diagnosis, prognosis and therapy are discussed.