Spinal epidural abscess presenting with abdominal pain

Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2002 Apr;12(2):141-3. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-30169.

Abstract

We report a case of spinal epidural abscess presenting as abdominal pain. An 7-year-old boy presented with abdominal pain. He was operated on under suspicion of appendicitis. During operation, no abnormalities were found. Postoperatively, the abdominal pain did not subside. Subsequently, the boy developed neurological abnormalities. MRI showed a spinal epidural abscess. A laminectomy was performed and the boy was treated with antibiotics; he recovered well. This case showed that it is important to consider a spinal epidural abscess as a cause of abdominal pain with fever in children.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Child
  • Epidural Abscess / complications
  • Epidural Abscess / diagnosis
  • Epidural Abscess / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Spinal Diseases / complications
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Spinal Diseases / surgery*