Man-in-the-barrel syndrome: Case report of ventral epidural abscess and review of the literature

Authors

Karam Asmaro, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Aqueel H. Pabaney, Henry Ford Health
Richard Rammo, Henry Ford Health
Rizwan A. Tahir, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Maximillian K. Kole, Henry Ford HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Asmaro K, Pabaney AH, Rammo R, Tahir R, and Kole MK. Man-in-the-barrel syndrome: Case report of ventral epidural abscess and review of the literature. Surg Neurol Int 2018; 9:8.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2018

Publication Title

Surg Neurol Int

Abstract

Background: Man-in-the-barrel syndrome (MBS) is an uncommon clinical condition for which patients present with bilateral brachial diplegia but intact lower extremity strength. This syndrome is typically attributed to a cranial/cortical injury rather than a spinal pathology.

Case Description: A 62-year-old diabetic male presented with bilateral upper extremity paresis attributed to a ventral cervical epidural abscess diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging. Emergent cervical decompression resulted in slight improvement of upper extremity strength. However, he later expired due to sepsis and respiratory compromise.

Conclusion: Establishing the correct diagnosis via clinical examination and proceeding with appropriate management of MBS attributed to a cervical epidural abscess is critical to achieve a good outcome.

Comments

Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike License

PubMed ID

29416905

Volume

9

First Page

8