BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spinal anesthesia as a cause of epidural abscess is extremely rare. Infection at the site of needle placement is the usual cause of abscess formation. METHODS: Immunocompromised patients, and in this case a diabetic patient may be at higher risk for this complication. RESULTS: Anesthesiologist need to be aware of factors that may lead to epidural abscess formation. CONCLUSIONS: The signs and symptoms of this unfortunate complication should be uppermost in the physician's mind when assessing new neurologic deficits after regional anesthesia.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spinal anesthesia as a cause of epidural abscess is extremely rare. Infection at the site of needle placement is the usual cause of abscess formation. METHODS: Immunocompromised patients, and in this case a diabeticpatient may be at higher risk for this complication. RESULTS: Anesthesiologist need to be aware of factors that may lead to epidural abscess formation. CONCLUSIONS: The signs and symptoms of this unfortunate complication should be uppermost in the physician's mind when assessing new neurologic deficits after regional anesthesia.