Presentation
Fever with neck pain for two weeks. Bilateral upper limb weakness last 24 hours.
Patient Data
In the upper cervical spine (C1 - C4), muscles of the left erector spinae group are swollen with surrounding inflammatory stranding, and small fluid collections with subtle peripheral enhancement are demonstrated in semispinalis capitis suggestive of abscess formation. The upper extent of longus cervicus and proximal levator scapulae muscles are also edematous. No underlying cervical osteomyelitis/discitis is identified. Anterolaterally within the spinal canal from C2 to C3, the epidural space is eccentrically thickened on the left up to 4mm, and there is dural enhancement. No retropharyngeal abscess.
Conclusion:
Case Discussion
The patient proceeded to have C2 and C3 posterior decompression and drainage of epidural abscess.