Epidural Abscess Caused by Gas-Producing Clostridium Septicum: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2019 Dec;9(4):e0282. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.18.00282.

Abstract

Case: Few cases have reported Clostridium species of bacteria as a source for vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscesses. The subspecies of Clostridium septicum has not been described as a cause. This case describes a 69-year-old man who hematogenously spread C. septicum without associated malignancy, subsequently failed conservative management in the form of intravenous antibiotics, and was definitively treated with surgical intervention through a minimally invasive approach.

Conclusions: An epidural abscess occurring in a surgically naive patient is a rare phenomenon. An epidural abscess caused by C. septicum is even rarer. Appropriate imaging, early recognition, and surgical debridement can lead to a favorable outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Clostridium Infections / complications*
  • Clostridium Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Clostridium septicum / isolation & purification*
  • Epidural Abscess / diagnostic imaging
  • Epidural Abscess / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / etiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male