Epidural abscess after lumbar discography : A case report

The patient who suffered from pain in both lower legs and in whom discography was performed experienced a rare complication after discography. The findings and method of discography is described, as is usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging to image this rare complication. To establish the possibi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976) Pa. 1976), 1997-09, Vol.22 (18), p.2191-2193
Main Authors: JUNILA, J, NIINIMÄKI, T, TERVONEN, O
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abscess - etiology
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Discitis - diagnosis
Discitis - etiology
Discitis - therapy
Epidural Space
Humans
Iatrogenic Disease
Intervertebral Disc - diagnostic imaging
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Lumbar Vertebrae - pathology
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Medical sciences
Osteoarticular system. Muscles
Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry
Radiography
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Summary:The patient who suffered from pain in both lower legs and in whom discography was performed experienced a rare complication after discography. The findings and method of discography is described, as is usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging to image this rare complication. To establish the possibility of getting a spinal epidural abscess after discography, how to make the diagnosis, and how to treat the complication. Discitis after discography is a well-known complication, but epidural abscess is rare. C-reactive protein concentration was measured and was more than 100 mg/L. Infection was suspected, and antibiotic therapy was started immediately. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed, and the diagnosis became clear. A laminotomy was performed. Symptoms due to epidural abscess disappeared soon after laminotomy. Some harmful and unpleasant complications are possible after discography. Antibiotic prophylaxis and stiletted needles should be used. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best radiologic procedure to image the complication, and surgery must be performed as soon as possible.
ISSN:0362-2436
1528-1159
DOI:10.1097/00007632-199709150-00020