Epidural abscess associated with epidural block in a patient with immunosuppressive disease
Yamaguchi, M.; Kawakubo, A.; Ide, R.; Hara, K.; Sumikawa, K.
Masui. Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology 48(5): 506-508
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4892 PMID: 10380505 Document Number: 511140
A patient with myeloproliferative disorders and diabetes mellitus received epidural block twice for treatment of the low back and leg pain. The drugs used were 1% mepivacaine 4 ml for the first and 1% mepivacaine 6 ml and dexamethazone 4 mg for the second on the next day. Epidural abscess was noticed 2 days later when pus was aspirated through a block needle. MRI revealed the abscess localized at L 5/S 1. Intensive treatment including epidural drainage and antibiotics succeeded in healing the abscess. Use of epidural block for immunocompromized patients should be decided carefully.