Iatrogenic epidural spinal abscess.

We present four cases of iatrogenic epidural spinal abscess directly caused by externally introduced catheters or probes. In two patients the infection spread per continuum, in the other two patients due to haematogenous dissemination. Clinical presentation in each case included generalized malaise with fever, signs of meningeal inflammation and focal neurological signs at the spinal level. The diagnosis was made on the basis of inflammatory changes in the cerebral spinal fluid and localization of the abscess by means of computer and magnetic resonance tomography. A broad-spectrum antibiotic regimen included a penicillinase-resistant preparation because of the frequent involvement of Staphylococcus aureus. It is our experience that a good outcome is dependent on early and specific treatment.