Epidural abscess laboratory findings
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Epidural abscess Microchapters |
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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 [abnormal test 1], [abnormal test 2], and [abnormal test 3].
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of epidural abscess include [abnormal test 1], [abnormal test 2], and [abnormal test 3].
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate is observed in about 2/3 of patients.[1] This, however, is not always indicative of epidural
C-Reactive Protein
Leukocytosis
Platelet count
Inflammatory markers may be elevated, however this isn't always the case, nor is there a specific marker to confirm the diagnosis. Therefore laboratory results, despite helpful are not diagnostic and should be used alongside clinical findings to help in the diagnosis, nevertheless are still not sufficient, they should then be complemented by imaging studies. [1] Common abnormal markers in this condition are:
- Elevated C-reactive protein
- Leukocytosis (about 2/3 of patients)
- Bacteremia, detected in about 60% of patients, may be the cause or be originated in the abscess, commonly by Staphylococcus aureus
- Possible thrombocytopenia, particularly in adults [2]
- Thrombocytosis, particullarly in children [2]
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 CSF. In the case of material from the abscess, the chance of finding the responsible organism is about 90%, in the blood 62% and in the CSF about 19%. [3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Darouiche, Rabih O. (2006). "Spinal Epidural Abscess". New England Journal of Medicine. 355 (19): 2012–2020. doi:10.1056/NEJMra055111. ISSN 0028-4793.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.