Question

A 55-year-old man presents with fever, severe back pain, and neurologic deficits including leg weakness and urinary retention. MRI shows an epidural abscess compressing the spinal cord at T8. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Urgent surgical decompression and IV antibiotics

Answer

High-dose IV antibiotics only

Answer

Oral antibiotics and outpatient follow-up

Answer

High-dose corticosteroids alone

Answer

Observation with repeat MRI in 48 hours

Practice question

A 55-year-old man presents with fever, severe back pain, and neurologic deficits including leg weakness and urinary retention. MRI shows an epidural abscess compressing the spinal cord at T8. What is the most appropriate management?