Late onset Proteus Mirabilis Meningitis and Subdural Abscess in a Boy With Lumbosacral Epidermoid Tumor: Case Report

Dermal sinus tracts have been reported all along the midline neuroaxis, with the majority being located in lumbar and sacral areas. They are usually associated with split cord malformations, tethered cord and inclusion tumors (dermoid, epidermoid, teratoma). Dermal sinus tracts with concomitant dermoid or epidermoid tumors are frequently associated with recurrent meningitis, but spinal subdural abscess is rare. The authors report a 2 years old boy with lumbar epidermoid tumor, late onset Proteus mirabilis meningitis and spinal intradural abscess, who had a history of a dermal sinus tract removal one year before his admission. The importance of early diagnosis, proper surgical and medical treatment and close follow up in such patients is stressed.