Pachymeningitis, External

an inflammatory process in the epidural space and on the external surface of the dura mater of the spinal cord.

External pachymeningitis is mainly caused by staphylococcal infection spread by the blood from purulent sites, for example, furuncles or abscesses, or as a result of direct transmission of the infectious process to the epidural space, for example, in osteomyelitis, spinal tuberculosis, and other diseases. The symptoms are usually acute and include sharp pains in the spine and elevated temperature. Symptoms of disease of the meninges (arachnitis, meningitis) may be present. Indications of pressure on the spinal cord by the inflammatory exudate (mainly purulent) include paresis of the limbs and disturbances of sensitivity and in the functions of the urinary bladder and other pelvic organs.

Treatment is surgical, followed by the administration of antimicrobial agents.