{"id":"5446025e-3cbb-4cf1-9b8d-b564965fd145","slug":"intramedullary-spinal-cord-abscess-as-postoperative-complication-a-case-report","title":"Intramedullary spinal cord abscess as postoperative complication: A case report","authors":["Amber Lynn Valeri","Adam Alayli","Jonah Gordon","Gavin Lockard","Nam D. Tran"],"abstract":"Background: Intramedullary spinal cord abscesses (ISCA) can result in high morbidity and mortality if not treated in a timely manner. The incidence and outcomes of postsurgical ISCA are unknown. We present a case of a 52-year-old male patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 who developed an intramedullary spinal cord abscess after a previous resection of a cervical intradural, extramedullary neurofibroma. Case Description: A 52-year-old male with a history of neurofibromatosis type 1 had previously undergone multiple resections of cervical intradural, extramedullary neurofibromas with internal stabilization. Sixteen months after his initial surgery, he developed acute-onset interscapular pain with bilateral lower extremity pain and left hemi-body weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine demonstrated an enlarging contrast-enhancing intramedullary lesion. Surgical exploration and evacuation of the lesion were completed. Intramedullary cultures confirmed a Serratia marcescens abscess. After abscess evacuation and intravenous antibiotics, the patient’s symptoms resolved. Conclusion: Given the potential for permanent neurologic damage and loss of independence with intramedullary spinal cord abscess, we advocate that clinicians maintain a high index of suspicion in the postsurgical patient. Diagnostic imaging through contrasted MRI or computed tomography myelogram should be obtained, and prompt intervention, including evacuation and/or antibiotics, should be implemented for the best chance of a favorable outcome.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5446025e-3cbb-4cf1-9b8d-b564965fd145/featured/hero-1781559556750.png","publishDate":"2024-05-03T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_176_2023","categories":["Infection","Case Report"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/5446025e-3cbb-4cf1-9b8d-b564965fd145/pdf"}