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Spinal Epidural Abscess

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A Correction to this article was published on 12 February 2024

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The goal of this review is to summarize the importance of identifying and treating a spinal epidural abscess. This review also delves into the intricacies of imaging modalities and the controversies regarding management options.

Recent Findings

Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating SEA, focused attention to T2 imaging to the exclusion of other sequences can result in diagnostic errors and overlooking critical epidural abscesses.

Summary

Spinal epidural abscess is a rare disease; however, it has high morbidity and mortality if left untreated. Although rare, there is a slow progressive increase in the incidence of SEA. Imaging should be considered for any patient with red flags in their history or physical examination. MRI is the imaging test of choice to assure early diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on T2 imaging can result in an underappreciation of SEA. The characteristic space-occupying process, the essential comparison of T1 and T2 imaging, and the use of contrast characteristics are key ingredients for an accurate diagnosis.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

    Latha Ganti

  2. Envision Healthcare, Nashville, TN, USA

    Latha Ganti, Abhishek Agrawal & Richard Rieck

  3. University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL, USA

    Latha Ganti, Abigail Alorda & Abhishek Agrawal

  4. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Tanner Reed

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  4. Tanner Reed
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  5. Richard Rieck
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Contributions

Drs. LG, AA, AAg, and RR contibuted to the conceptualization, methodology, writing—original draft, writing—review and editing. Dr. TR contributed to the review and editing. Dr. R prepared Fig. 1. Drs. LG and RR supervised the project. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Latha Ganti.

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The original online version of this article was revised: My name is incorrect, it is stated as “Reed Tanner” when my first name is “Tanner” and last name is “Reed”. Also, under author contributions, it states “RT” when it should be “TR”.

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Ganti, L., Alorda, A., Agrawal, A. et al. Spinal Epidural Abscess. Curr Emerg Hosp Med Rep 12, 38–44 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-024-00284-9

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