# Intramedullary Spinal Cord Abscess With Brain Abscess Secondary to Empyema: A Report of a Rare Case

## TL;DR

A rare case of spinal and brain abscesses in a diabetic patient was successfully treated with antibiotics alone, avoiding surgery.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the successful non-surgical treatment of a rare combination of intramedullary spinal cord and brain abscesses.

## Key findings

- Antimicrobial therapy alone resolved the abscesses without the need for surgery.
- The patient showed no recurrence or neurological deficits at one-year follow-up.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical for favorable outcomes.

## Abstract

Intramedullary spinal cord abscess (ISCA) is a rare condition that requires prompt intervention. We report the case of a 60-year-old Japanese man with type 2 diabetes who was diagnosed with ISCA and a concomitant brain abscess during antibiotic treatment for empyema. Antimicrobial therapy alone led to remission and obviated the need for surgery following diagnosis. At the one-year follow-up, the patient showed no sequelae or recurrence. Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for improving prognosis and minimizing permanent neurological deficits.