A spinal epidural abscess due to Salmonella sepsis

Abstract

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare entity which is more common in immunocompromised hosts, such as diabetics. The commonest pyogenic aetiology is Staphylococcus aureus, while we report here the first case with Salmonella paratyphi A as the aetiology. This case illustrates the enigmatic fashion in which SEA may manifest. Diagnosis of SEA should be considered in any patient with backache and fever of unclear aetiology. Pleural effusions due to Salmonella sepsis are also a very rare phenomenon, which was found in this patient.

Keywords

• spinal epidural abscess
• salmonella paratyphi a
• pleural effusion.