Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi 2004 , Vol 14 , Num 2
Importance of Back Pain in Type I Diabetes Mellitus: Thoracic Epidural Abscess: Case Report
Merih İŞ1, Murat DÖŞOĞLU1, Ferruh GEZEN1, İrfan ŞENCAN2, Feyzullah AKYÜZ1, K. Hakan YILDIZ1
1Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi, Düzce Tıp Fakültesi, Nöroşirürji Anabilim Dalı, Düzce
2Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi, Düzce Tıp Fakültesi, Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, Düzce
Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus predisposes to unusual infections, including epidural and psoas abscess. We report a 27 year old female who was hospitalised for diabetic non-ketotic coma, sepsis, and back pain, and subsequently was diagnosed with an extensive thoracic spinal epidural abscess at T3-T7 level. This case report highlights the need to maintain a high index suspicion for epidural abscess in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients presenting with fever and localised back pain. Early diagnosis with appropriate imaging and aggresive management can prevent the development of permanent neurological damage. Anahtar Kelimeler : Back pain, spinal epidural abscess, spinal cord compression