Development of Epidural Abscess Following Surgical Drainage of Perianal Abscess: Report of a Case

PURPOSE: A case of epidural abscess originating from a perianal abscess is reported. METHODS: The history of the patient, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, magnetic resonance imaging, and bacteriological tests were used to reach a diagnosis and the possible mechanism. RESULTS: Epidural abscess was suspected because the patient had a fever and intense low back pain following drainage of a perianal abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to correctly diagnose the epidural abscess and bacteriologic studies disclosed the pathophysiologic mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural abscess is an extremely rare complication of perianal abscess. It should always be suspected in a patient with acute onset of back pain, fever, history of recent infection, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, because delay in diagnosis can cause neurologic compromise and even death.