Epidural abscess differential diagnosis

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Epidural abscess Microchapters

Home

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Epidural abscess from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

CT

MRI

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Epidural abscess differential diagnosis On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Epidural abscess differential diagnosis

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Epidural abscess differential diagnosis

CDC on Epidural abscess differential diagnosis

Epidural abscess differential diagnosis in the news

Blogs on Epidural abscess differential diagnosis

Directions to Hospitals Treating Epidural abscess

Risk calculators and risk factors for Epidural abscess differential diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]

Overview

An epidural abscess is a rare suppurative infection of the central nervous system, a collection of pus localised in the epidural space lying outside the dura mater, which accounts for less than 2% of focal CNS infections. [1] It may occur in two different places: intracranially or in the spinal canal. The diagnosis of epidural abscess, due to the unspecific clinical symptoms, is rarely a quick diagnosis. It is suspected based on clinical findings, along with laboratory data and imaging tests, however it can only be confirmed by surgical drainage. According to the location of the abscess, different conditions must be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Differential Diagnosis

Intracranial Epidural Abscess

An intracranial epidural abscess can replicate the signs and symptoms of any intracranial mass lesion. It may be presented by headache, vomiting, fever, altered mental status, seizures, cranial nerve abnormalities and paresis. However, these signs may not be present initially, and may be shared by other conditions, which increases the complexity of the differential diagnosis. [2] Therefore, the differential diagnosis includes:

Spinal Epidural Abscess

At the time of presentation, the diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess is only suspected in 40% of the cases. This is due to the fact that there are several other conditions, more common than this type of abscess, presenting with similar signs and symptoms. Spinal epidural abscess usually presents with back pain, fever, motor weakness, and spinal tenderness. [3][4][5][6] Therefore, the differential diagnosis includes:

References

  1. Longo, Dan L. (Dan Louis) (2012). Harrison's principles of internal medici. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-174889-6.
  2. Fountas KN, Duwayri Y, Kapsalaki E, Dimopoulos VG, Johnston KW, Peppard SB; et al. (2004). "Epidural intracranial abscess as a complication of frontal sinusitis: case report and review of the literature". South Med J. 97 (3): 279–82, quiz 283. PMID 15043336.
  3. Grewal, S. (2006). "Epidural abscesses". British Journal of Anaesthesia. 96 (3): 292–302. doi:10.1093/bja/ael006. ISSN 0007-0912.
  4. Maslen DR, Jones SR, Crislip MA, Bracis R, Dworkin RJ, Flemming JE (1993). "Spinal epidural abscess. Optimizing patient care". Arch Intern Med. 153 (14): 1713–21. PMID 8333809.
  5. Ngan Kee WD, Jones MR, Thomas P, Worth RJ (1992). "Extradural abscess complicating extradural anaesthesia for caesarean section". Br J Anaesth. 69 (6): 647–52. PMID 1467114.
  6. Keon-Cohen BT (1968). "Epidural abscess simulating disc hernia". J Bone Joint Surg Br. 50 (1): 128–30. PMID 5641580.