Spinal–epidural Abscess Presenting as an Acute Abdomen in a Child: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abdominal presentations in patients with spinal–epidural abscess (SEA) are not uncommon. However, it needs to be continually emphasized that the atypical presentations of these diseases could delay the timely diagnosis and consequently prompt management, which threatens spinal cord, leading to potential to paralysis or even death. We report a case of a young girl who presented with abdominal pain and fever. The diagnosis of SEA was unfortunately so delayed that the patient did not show any functional recovery postoperatively. This report aims to highlight the importance of high level of clinical suspicion to recognize an atypical presentation of the SEA. Moreover, the fully detailed history-taking and physical examination are of paramount importance. Spinal underlying pathologies should always be considered as a cause of abdominal pain, especially in children.