Epidural abscess other imaging findings

Epidural abscess Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]; Anthony Gallo, B.S. [3]

Overview

X ray is likely not helpful in the diagnosis of epidural abscess. Myelography may be helpful in the diagnosis of epidural abscess, however it is now considered obsolete.

Other Imaging Findings

X Ray

X ray is likely not helpful in the diagnosis of epidural abscess. Findings on x ray suggestive of spinal epidural abscess include narrowing of the disk and bone lysis to indicate the presence of discitis and osteomyelitis. X ray is useful in evaluating possible skull fractures, osteomyelitis lesions, discitis, or foreign bodies lodged in the skull or spine, which may be the source of the infection. In 30% of patients with epidural abscess, radiography demonstrated some abnormality, often presenting degenerative changes, vertebral end-plate destruction, or narrowing of the intervertebral disc space.

Intervertebral narrowing at the level of L5-S1, with concomitant sclerosis of vertebral plateau

Myelography

Myelography may be helpful in the diagnosis of epidural abscess. However, the invasiveness of this technique and possible complications give more relevance to the MRI.