Infected congenital cervical dermal sinuses leading to spinal cord abscess: two case reports and a review of the literature

Bevan, Rhian and Leach, Paul 2021. Infected congenital cervical dermal sinuses leading to spinal cord abscess: two case reports and a review of the literature. Child's Nervous System 37 (1) , pp. 225-228. 10.1007/s00381-020-04778-1

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Abstract

Purpose Congenital dermal sinuses are a rare form of spinal dysraphism. The developmental defects are located along the midline neuroaxis, with sinuses in the cervical region being the least common. Congenital dermal sinuses can be associated with intraspinal infection as they act as a direct route from the skin and subcutaneous tissues into the spinal cord. Methods The authors present two cases of cervical dermal sinuses complicated by intramedullary abscess. Both children presented with neurological decline and febrile illness. MRI showed intraspinal abscess. Both underwent prompt surgical excision of the sinus tract, exploration of the cord and intravenous antibiotics. Results Both patients demonstrated excellent neurological recovery. Conclusions Complete surgical excision of the sinus and tract in addition to long-term antimicrobials can yield excellent neurological outcomes. At surgery, do not expect to find pus when exploring the intramedullary component. Long-term follow-up is advocated due to potential late recurrence.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Medicine
Publisher:	Springer
ISSN:	0256-7040
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	14 May 2021
Date of Acceptance:	24 June 2020
Last Modified:	03 May 2023 09:39
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/141337

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