Work

The Enigmatic Presentation of Pneumorrhachis in Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection: A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Pneumorrhachis, the presence of air within the spinal canal, is an uncommon radiologic finding, most often resulting from trauma or iatrogenic procedures, or exceedingly rarely, infectious causes. We present a case of necrotizing soft tissue infection overlying the sacrum, not associated with a preexisting pressure ulcer/wound, leading to pneumorrhachis, pan myelomeningitis, and epidural abscess formation. Initial diagnosis was assumed to be a buttock abscess, but additional symptoms of severe weakness and lethargy elicited further studies. Prompt diagnosis was achieved with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and operative intervention, leading to a more favorable outcome. This case exemplifies the need to maintain high awareness for seemingly mundane symptoms, as they may mask more serious pathologies like pneumorrhachis or epidural abscess.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.96032

Authors: Haitham Siag, Zana J Hanini, Vance Smith

Institutions: Sound Shore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4415829795