Diana P. Duarte-Mora, Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Militar Central, Bogota, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Lina M. Jiménez-Rozo, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada. Bogota, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Erik Muñóz-Rodríguez, Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Militar Central, Bogota, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Epidural abscess is a rare entity that is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and its presence may be related to the manipulation of the epidural space, or not related to said space at all. This entity is the second cause of spinal cord injury of infectious origin, with a presentation between the fifth and sixth decade of life, being more prevalent in men than in women. The most frequent etiological agent is Staphylococcus aureus in 60-70% of cases, followed by Streptococcus and Gram-negative germs. The clinical trial is made up of fever, low back pain, and neurological deficit, with tenderness being the most consistent symptom. The most frequent site of establishment is at the thoracic level with extension of 2-3 vertebral segments. Magnetic resonance imaging is the study of choice to visualize the extension and better definition of the lesion; treatment must be early and aggressive, together with antibiotic therapy and surgical decompression, and this is ultimately what will impact the mortality rate, which varies from 5% to 32%. The objective of presenting the clinical case is to review important aspects in the diagnosis and treatment of this entity.

Keywords: Abscess. Holo spinal. Epidural.