Epidural abscess laboratory findings

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]; Anthony Gallo, B.S. [3]

Overview

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of epidural abscess include elevated inflammatory markers, abnormal platelet count, and presence of Staphylococcus aureus. Laboratory results, while helpful, are not diagnostic of epidural abscess. Laboratory findings should supplement clinical and imaging findings to aid in the diagnosis.[1]

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of epidural abscess include elevated inflammatory markers, abnormal platelet count, and presence of foreign organisms within the abscess.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate is observed in about 2/3 of patients.[1]

C-Reactive Protein

An elevated C-reactive protein level is present.

Leukocytosis

A marked leukocytosis is present in approximately 2/3 of patients.

Platelet count

Thrombocytosis may be present, particularly in children with epidural abscess.[2] Thrombocytopenia may be present, particularly in adults.[2]

Foreign organisms

Bacteremia is detected in about 60% of patients. On laboratory analysis, the following microorganisms are commonly observed:[3][1][4]

Once an abscess has been identified on the imaging studies, it is important to identify the responsible organism by studying different types of isolated materials, such as blood, material from the abscess and cerebrospinal fluid. The chance of finding the responsible organism in the abscess is 90%, in the blood 62%, and in the cerebrospinal fluid about 19%.[5]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Darouiche, Rabih O. (2006). "Spinal Epidural Abscess". New England Journal of Medicine. 355 (19): 2012–2020. doi:10.1056/NEJMra055111. ISSN 0028-4793.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Grewal, S. (2006). "Epidural abscesses". British Journal of Anaesthesia. 96 (3): 292–302. doi:10.1093/bja/ael006. ISSN 0007-0912.
  3. Mat Nayan SA, Mohd Haspani MS, Abd Latiff AZ, Abdullah JM, Abdullah S (2009). "Two surgical methods used in 90 patients with intracranial subdural empyema". J Clin Neurosci. 16 (12): 1567–71. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2009.01.036. PMID 19793660.
  4. Auletta JJ, John CC (2001). "Spinal epidural abscesses in children: a 15-year experience and review of the literature". Clin. Infect. Dis. 32 (1): 9–16. doi:10.1086/317527. PMID 11112668.
  5. Darouiche RO, Hamill RJ, Greenberg SB, Weathers SW, Musher DM (1992). "Bacterial spinal epidural abscess. Review of 43 cases and literature survey". Medicine (Baltimore). 71 (6): 369–85. PMID 1359381.