Evidence map›Paper›PMID 34446695›Full record

ArticleSpinal cord series and cases2021

Spontaneous spinal epidural abscess in pregnancy: a case series.

Daniel L Robinson, Scott Lewis, Conor Regan

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Spinal cord series and cases, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Emergent spinal pathologies in late-term pregnancy.Journal of craniovertebral junction & spine
    Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Daniel L RobinsonDepartment of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. Daniel.Robinson@unchealth.unc.edu.ORCID 0000-0002-2931-579X
Scott LewisDepartment of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Conor ReganWakeMed Orthopaedics, Raleigh, NC, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionSpontaneous spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare diagnosis; only eight cases have been reported during pregnancy. Diagnosis of SEA can be difficult, especially when the classic triad of fever, back pain, and neurologic deficits are not present. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to reduce potential morbidity and mortality. CASE PRESENTATIONS: We report two separate cases of SEA in pregnancy and summarize the existing literature. Case 1: A 20-year-old G1P0 presented at 35-week gestation with low back pain and lower extremity (LE) weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed thoracic SEA. The patient underwent cesarian delivery followed by posterior thoracic laminectomy and fusion (T9-11), abscess decompression, and antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, there was a recurrence of her infection requiring a second irrigation and debridement 1 month after index procedure. At final follow-up, the patient had complete neurologic recovery. Case 2: A 38-year-old G10P0 presented at 36-week gestation in labor with LE weakness and difficulty ambulating. After delivery, she had significant LE neurologic deficits. MRI demonstrated thoracic osteodiscitis with associated epidural abscess. She underwent thoracic laminectomy and fusion (T7-12), abscess decompression, and antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, despite aggressive treatment, she has persistent LE neurologic deficits. DISCUSSION: Pregnancy complicates the diagnosis and treatment strategies of SEA: back pain is very commonly underestimated, especially in the absence of fever and gross neurologic deficits. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are paramount to prevent neurologic decline and facilitate recovery. It is important to perform a focused physical exam noting motor strength, sensation, and reflexes. Coordinated management between the Emergency Department, OB-GYN, and spinal surgery team is required for best possible patient outcomes. Typically, management consists of aggressive surgical decompression and antibiotic therapy.

Indexed as

Epidural AbscessAdultBack PainDecompression, SurgicalFemaleHumansLaminectomyMagnetic Resonance ImagingPregnancyYoung Adult

Identifiers

PMID34446695
PMCPMC8390507

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