Epidural spinal infection in intravenous drug abusers
B. S. Koppel, A. J. Tuchman, J. R. Mangiardi, M. Daras and I. Weitzner
Department of Neurology, New York Medical College, Valhalla.
The incidence of spinal epidural abscess and disk space infection appears
to be rising in intravenous drug-using patients. We report 18 cases seen
over three years in two municipal hospitals. Staphylococcus aureus was the
most common infective agent, but two patients had Mycobacterium
tuberculosis infection. Computed tomography of the spine facilitates
diagnosis. Early treatment improves outcome but host factors play a role in
recovery.
