PMC8100421_01
(a)-(c) Pus noted during subarachnoid anaesthesia.
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fig1
While performing the most recent subarachnoid block, the anaesthetist noticed the absence of cerebrospinal flow, and when the spinal needle was withdrawn, pus was noted at the hub (Figures 1(a)-1(c)).
T2-weighted MRI of the spine from the cervical to lumbosacral region depicting a long-segment epidural abscess extending from T11-T12 to L5-S1. Size: 0.8 cm (AP diameter) x 22.5 cm (length) x 1.79 cm (width). No pre- or paravertebral abscesses were visible. (a)-(c): sagittal views. (a): short white arrow- abscess seen commencing at the T12 level and long arrow- abscess extending downwards. (b) and (c): white arrows- abscess visible at L5 segment and the abscess causing cauda equina compression at the L1 level, respectively. (d): axial view; green arrow- abscess at the L4 level.
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fig2
An urgent MRI of the spine revealed a large epidural abscess with cauda equina displacement and compression with edema involving cauda equina fibres (Figure 2).