Hospital-Acquired Sacral Pressure Ulcer Complicated by a Spinal Epidural Abscess

A spinal epidural abscess is a rare condition where pus accumulates between the dura mater and the vertebral column. This is often caused by the spread of infection from another site. The abscess can compress the spinal cord, leading to neurological damage and potential permanent deficits. Prompt treatment involving surgical drainage and antibiotics is essential to prevent lasting harm. This case report describes a rare instance where a spinal epidural abscess developed as a complication of a hospital-acquired pressure ulcer, further complicated by bacteremia.

• 1
  The patient developed a spinal epidural abscess and bacteremia secondary to the hematogenous spread of Bacteroides spp. from a hospital-acquired stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer.
• 2
  The patient presented with altered mental status and a draining, foul-smelling bed sore over his sacrum, later found to have spondylodiscitis and an extensive epidural abscess.
• 3
  Several Bacteroides species, including Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides pneumosintes, and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, were isolated from the abscess, wound cultures, and blood cultures.