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Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Epidural abscess epidemiology and demographics

Introduction

Overview

Overview

In general, epidural abscess is rare. Intracranial epidural abscess is the more rare type of epidural abscess and the 3rd most common focal intracranial infection. Spinal epidural abscess is more common than intracranial epidural abscess, however it is still rare in the general population, accounting for 2.5 to 3 cases per 10,000 hospital admissions per year.[1] Estimates of the incidence following central nerve block vary from 1 per 1,000 hospital admissions to 1 per 100,000 hospital admissions.[2] Prevalence of epidural abscess is greatest between the fifth and seventh decades of life.[3]

Epidemiology And Demographics

Epidemiology And Demographics

Intracranial Epidural Abscess

Intracranial epidural abscess is the more rare type of epidural abscess, accounting for 1 out of 10 cases of the disease. However, it is the 3rd most common focal intracranial infection, following brain abscess and subdural empyema. Today it occurs most often following neurosurgical procedures and in IV drug users. Approximately 2% of patients with sinusitis develop intracranial epidural abscess as a complication.[4]

Spinal Epidural Abscess

Spinal epidural abscess is the most common type of epidural abscess. Prevalence is greatest between the fifth and seventh decades of life, with a male predominance.[3][5] Spinal epidural abscess is rare, accounting for 2.5 to 3 cases per 10,000 hospital admissions per year.[1] The mortality rate of spinal epidural abscess has not changed significantly over the last 25 years, remaining at < 5%.[6][7]

References

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sampath P, Rigamonti D (1999). “Spinal epidural abscess: a review of epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment”. J Spinal Disord. 12 (2): 89–93. PMID 10229519. |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  2. ↑ Grewal S, Hocking G, Wildsmith JA (2006). “Epidural abscesses”. Br J Anaesth. 96 (3): 292–302. doi:10.1093/bja/ael006. PMID 16431882. |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Danner RL, Hartman BJ (1987). “Update on spinal epidural abscess: 35 cases and review of the literature”. Rev. Infect. Dis. 9 (2): 265–74. PMID 3589332. |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  4. ↑ Gallagher RM, Gross CW, Phillips CD (1998). “Suppurative intracranial complications of sinusitis”. Laryngoscope. 108 (11 Pt 1): 1635–42. PMID 9818818.
  5. ↑ 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.
  6. ↑ Strauss I, Carmi-Oren N, Hassner A, Shapiro M, Giladi M, Lidar Z (2013). “Spinal epidural abscess: in search of reasons for an increased incidence”. Isr Med Assoc J. 15 (9): 493–6. PMID 24340840.
  7. ↑ Reihsaus E, Waldbaur H, Seeling W (2000). “Spinal epidural abscess: a meta-analysis of 915 patients”. Neurosurg Rev. 23 (4): 175–204, discussion 205. PMID 11153548.

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]