%0 Case Reports
%T Intramedullary spinal cord abscess as postoperative complication: A case report.
%A Valeri AL
%A Alayli A
%A Gordon J
%A Lockard G
%A Tran ND
%J Surg Neurol Int
%V 15
%N 0
%D 2024
%M 38741995
暂无%R 10.25259/SNI_176_2023
%X <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>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.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>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.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>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.