Acute Pyogenic Infection of the Spinal Epidural Space

Of the diseases involving the coverings of the spinal cord and the cord itself, acute pyogenic infection of the epidural space is comparatively infrequent. It is, however, a definite disease entity, and the histories, physical signs and laboratory observations of the various cases reported are strikingly similar. Acquaintance with the condition, making possible an early diagnosis, is of great importance to the patient; for, although the prognosis is quite poor, adequate drainage at the earliest possible date offers the best if not the only means of treatment. If infection is known to be present in some other part of the body, the arrival at a diagnosis of the condition may be facilitated. But in cases in which this is not known to exist, diagnosis may be a difficult procedure. This is true especially in cases in which the body does not react in the usual way to an acute purulent