Lumbar epidural abscess causing septic shock: case report

Abstract.

 This case report describes a lumbar epidural abscess that caused septic shock. A 48-year-old woman who developed a high temperature was diagnosed as having a respiratory tract infection. She became unconscious the next day and was transferred to the intensive care unit for monitoring and treatment. She complained of increasing lower back pain as consciousness improved. Magnetic resonance images of the lumbar spine showed an abscess shadow between the vertebral body and dura mater at the level of L3–S1. Surgical drainage of the epidural abscess was performed as an emergency procedure, and the patient recovered immediately. The primary source of the epidural abscess was probably the respiratory tract infection, which spread to the epidural space through hematogenous dissemination. The initial treatment of the epidural abscess was rest and antibiotics, but surgical treatment was needed to save the patient because of septic shock.