Spinal epidural abscess associated with IgG4 deficiency.

The objective is to present the possibility of an association between spinal epidural abscess and IgG deficiency. Spinal epidural abscess is a rare but potentially devastating condition. Review of the literature showed no reported acknowledgment about the relationship between spinal epidural abscess and IgG deficiency. This report discusses the case of a 16-year-old boy who developed progressive paraplegia within 24 hours. Clinical and neuroradiologic features are reported. Serum quantitative total IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations were measured by nephelometry. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging showed epidural abscess between T6 and T11 compressing the cord posteriorly. IgG subclasses (IgG ) were found abnormal. The possible importance of immunologic evaluation in the patients with spinal epidural abscess when no source of infection could be find is discussed.(4) (4) (4)