Open AccessSpinal Epidural Abscess in a Child with Eczema: A Case Report and Literature Review
Author(s) -
Tsang YP,
Sy MY,
Wong TW
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
hong kong journal of emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.145
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2309-5407
pISSN - 1024-9079
DOI - 10.1177/102490791201900607
Subject(s) - medicine , spinal epidural abscess , abscess , epidural abscess , surgery , etiology , back pain , neck pain , computed tomography , alternative medicine , pathology , psychiatry
Spinal epidural abscess is rare in children. Early recognition is important to prevent or minimise neurological complications. We report a case of paediatric spinal epidural abscess. An 8‐year‐old girl, with a history of poorly controlled atopic eczema over the back of neck, presented with back pain and subsequently fever and worsening backache. Diagnosis was made only after computed tomography. Emergency operation with drainage of the abscess was done and vancomycin was given for 5 weeks. The patient made an uneventful recovery with no neurological complications. Bacteraemia from skin excoriation due to chronic eczema was the presumed aetiology.