Abstract
Objective: Syringomyelia is defined as a dilatation of the central canal of the spinal cord which often leads to neurologic impairment. Syringomyelia has not previously been reported as a late complication for the treatment of brain abscess. In this report, we review a case involving this unusual association.
Clinical presentation: A 25 year-old woman sustained a nocardia brain abscess initially presenting as a pulmonary infection. Treatment led to the development of multiloculated hydrocephalus and syringomyelia.
Intervention: Treatment included placement of multiple ventriculoperitoneal shunts and a syringo-pleural shunt. This resulted in stabilization of neurologic symptoms.
Conclusion: The possibility of developing syringomyelia should be considered in any case involving post-infectious hydrocephalus.
Spinal Cord (2000) 38, 265–269.
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Young, W. Syringomyelia presenting as a delayed complication of treatment for nocardia brain abscess. Spinal Cord 38, 265–269 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3100985
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3100985