Nocardial Spinal Epidural Abscess with Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Rationale: Nocardial spinal epidural abscess is rare. The diagnosis is often difficult to make and, if delayed, poses a high risk of long-term disability. Nocardial spinal epidural abscess with severe lumbar disc herniation has not previously been reported.

Patient Concerns: A 50-year-old man presented with progressive lumbago and leg pain for 6 weeks after receiving acupuncture therapy, and then the patient suddenly occurred urine retention after walking.

Diagnoses: Clinical examination revealed sign of cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a Lumbar(L)4 to L5 disc herniation, L3 to Sacrum(S)1 epidural abscess, and L2 to S1 paravertebral abscess. The causative organism was Nocardia farcinica.

Interventions: An urgent paravertebral abscess debridement and right L4 to L5 laminectomy were performed. Simultaneously, the disc tissue protruding into the spinal canal was removed, as well as irrigation and drainage. And antimicrobial treatment was continued for 12 months.

Outcomes: Fortunately, the patient was able to walk with a cane and urinate autonomously without a catheter, although this remained difficult 7 days after surgery. After 1 year of treatment, the patient has recovered completely and returned to work.

Lessons: Nocardial spinal epidural abscess with severe lumbar disc herniation is extremely rare. Pain from spinal degenerative diseases often masks the early symptoms of spinal infection. It's worth noting that invasive treatment of spine is a way of causing spinal nocardial infection.