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CC BY 4.0 · WFNS Journal 2025; 02(01): e6-e9
DOI: 10.1055/a-2529-4401
Case Report

Management of Posterior Cervical Epidural Abscess Complicated by Non-Communicating Tetra-Ventricular Hydrocephalus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Gbassara Koulagna Boris
1   Department of Surgery and Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
,
Ben Ousmanou Djoubairou
2   Military Hospital Region N°1/Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon
3   Department of Surgery and Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
,
Bello Figuim
1   Department of Surgery and Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
,
Njofang Teto Poulenc
2   Military Hospital Region N°1/Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon
,
Motah Mathieu
3   Department of Surgery and Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
,
Djientcheu Vdp
1   Department of Surgery and Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
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Abstract

Background Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon condition, especially in children. Its occurrence in the cervical spine, particularly without significant osseous involvement, is exceedingly rare. We report a case of non-communicating tetra-ventricular hydrocephalus associated with a posterior cervical epidural abscess. The condition was managed with surgical drainage, specific antibiotics, and ventriculoperitoneal shunting.

Case Description A 15-year-old female presented with a history of posterior cervical abscess drainage. Bacteriological findings revealed two microorganisms (Staphylococcus epidermidis and tuberculosis) despite initial improvement following surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy, the patient experienced a recurrence of symptoms, including fever and deterioration in consciousness. Imaging revealed a tetra ventricular hydrocephalus, prompting urgent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Subsequent treatment with anti-tuberculous therapy and vancomycin led to favorable outcomes.

Conclusion SEA poses diagnostic and management challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings. Prompt recognition, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and surgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes. Consideration of tuberculous and S. epidermidis etiology, even in atypical presentations, is essential.

Keywords

spinal epidural abscess - hydrocephalus - ventriculoperitoneal shunt - cervical spine - tuberculous etiology - Staphylococcus epidermidis


Publication History

Received: 10 December 2024

Accepted: 27 January 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
30 January 2025

Article published online:
28 February 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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