Large central disc herniation causing cauda equina syndrome in an adolescent. A case report

BACKGROUND: Cauda equina syndrome is a surgical emergency that requires early diagnosis and prompt intervention. It is a challenging diagnosis with a wide variety of clinical presentations that may delay the diagnosis and result in complications that severely affect the patient’s quality of life. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 15-years-old child affected with acute cauda equina syndrome (CES) secondary to an acute disc herniation after lifting a heavy object. The patient was treated with decompressive laminectomy and discectomy that resulted in significant neurological improvement. DISCUSSION: Etiologic factors of CES in the pediatric population include tumors, trauma, iatrogenic injuries, spinal dysraphism, constipation and inferior vena cava syndrome. This case is being reported for the rarity of this syndrome in pediatric population especially when the etiological factor is acute disc herniation, which is also rare in this particular population. CONCLUSION: This report is thought to increase the index of suspicion of CES in this age group especially in the presence of inciting event allowing early diagnosis and better outcomes.