Clinical features
The abscess may be at any level but is most commonly, thoracic. The cord is damaged either directly from the compressive effects of the lesion or secondary to a thrombophlebitis and venous infarction.
The presentation resembles a rapidly progressive extradural tumour or haematoma with bilateral leg weakness, a sensory level, and urinary retention. The abscess is distinguished by:
- very severe pain over the site
- toxaemia - tachycardia, pyrexia, malaise
- stiffened neck and spinal column with marked resistance to flexion
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