2020 Oct 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan–.
ABSTRACT
Intramedullary spinal cord abscess (ISCA) is a rare central nervous system infection, associated with high mortality and neurological morbidity. The term "intramedullary" means "within the spinal cord." Thus, the term "intramedullary spinal cord abscess" may be redundant. As with epidural abscess, quick diagnosis and treatment of this condition are critical to the prevention of long-term serious damage to the spinal cord, or possibly death. Though we largely approach and treat these conditions similarly, we ought not to confuse ISCA with spinal epidural abscess, the latter of which is far more common.