Epidural abscesses are uncommon forms of spinal infection, presenting severe complications due to its difficult diagnosis and management. Although diagnosis and management have evolved, mortality rates are still high, ranging from 5 to 32% according to literature. The authors present a case of thoracic spine fracture, evolving with an epidural abscess, in a patient suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, with longstanding steroid therapy. A rapidly progressive neurological deficit developed, which resolved after emergency decompression and fracture fixation. Despite of the long-term antibiotic treatment, the infection recurred, being controlled only after hardware removal. In cases of spine fractures associated to immunossupression, the hypothesis of epidural abscess, especially with intense pain or progressive neurological deficit, must be considered.
Spondylitis, ankylosing; Spine fractures; Thoracic vertebrae; Epidural abscess
