Early diagnosis of staphylococcic infection in epidural space : radiologic contribution
Vacher, H.; Rivoal, A.; Ristori, J.M.; Chazal, J.; Lopitaux, R.; Weilbacher, H.; Vincens, C.; Viallet, J.F.
Journal de Radiologie d'Electrologie et de Medecine Nucleaire 59(4): 283-285
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0368-3966 PMID: 660578 Document Number: 133202
Infection of the épidural space was demonstrated on clinic (cauda equina compression) and radiology. Three investigations are considered and compared : Dimer X radiculography, lumbar phlebography, duroliopaque myelography. The transfemoral arcending lumbar catheterization of the epidural veins precise the compression by staphylococcic external pachymeningitis. No liquid is introduced in cerebro spinal fluid : there is not risk of infectious arachnoiditis. Myelography with positive contrast (duroliopaque: ethyl monoiodostearate) is much attractive but it is a procedure not easy to perform, even badly tolerated by the patient. For these reasons the lumbar phlebography, easily performed, can be realised in first intention.