Favorable outcome of long-lasting thoracic spondylodiscitis with spinal epidural abscess induced by Staphylococcus aureus.

A favorable outcome in chronic spondylodiscitis with epidural abscess is rare. A 65-year-old woman developed recurrent, localized, thoracic back pain over 2.5 years. Nine months after the onset of the pain, sensory disturbances of the left lower leg occurred. Fourteen months before admission, she developed recurrent fever, bladder dysfunction, and weakness and numbness of both lower legs. An incomplete sensory transverse syndrome with paraparesis was diagnosed. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine suggested destruction of the T11 vertebral body, with spondylodiscitis of the adjacent discs and an epidural abscess between levels T4 and T9. Laminectomy was immediately performed and the abscess was drained. Culture revealed infection with Staphylococcus aureus. After 10 weeks of therapy, recovery was almost complete. Spondylodiscitis with epidural abscess may have a favorable outcome, even if symptoms start more than 2 years before treatment.