J Korean Pain Soc.  1996 Jun;9(1):279-282.

Quadriplegia due to Epidural Abscess following Continuous Cervical Epidural Block: A case report

• Lee HK
• Yang SK
• Kim JY
• Chae HJ
• Kim KY
• Kim C

Abstract

A 45-year-old male received cervical continuous epidural block for posterior neck pain radiating to right upper extremity secondary to cervical herniated nucleus pulposus. Three days after epidural catheterization, fever, radicular pain and weakness of both upper extremities were developed. On admission, his temperature was 38.3 degrees C and showed progressive weakness and numbness in both upper and lower extremities. Cervical epidural abscess was suspected; MRI showed an epidural abscess from C4 to C7 level. Within 24 hours of admission, surgical decompression and drainage was effected. Culture of pus obtained at the lesion yielded Staphylococcus aureus. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics for 7 weeks resulting marked improvement of neurologic signs and symptoms.

Keyword

Epidural abscess; Continuous epidral block

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Catheterization
Catheters
Decompression, Surgical
Drainage
Epidural Abscess*
Fever
Humans
Hypesthesia
Lower Extremity
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Middle Aged
Neck Pain
Neurologic Manifestations
Quadriplegia*
Staphylococcus aureus
Suppuration
Upper Extremity
Anti-Bacterial Agents