834Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Abscess: Clinical Comparison of Staphylococcus aureus and non-Staphylococcus aureus Infections

Background. The incidence of spinal epidural abscess (SEA) has recently increased. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of SEA though literature is lacking comparing the clinical characteristics of SEA caused by different pathogens. Our objective was to analyze the predisposing factors, clinical features, diagnosis and management of patients with spontaneous SEA and to compare the characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus with non-Staphylococcus aureus associated infections. Methods. A retrospective review of 88 adult patients diagnosed with spontaneous SEA based on radiographs and/or intraoperative findings from a single tertiary medical center, during January 2009 through December 2012. Exclusion criteria included those with post spinal surgery infections, Pott's disease and isolated discitis/osteomyelitis. Results. See the table. *independent samples t-test for continuous variables; chi square test or Fisher's Exact Test for categorical variables Conclusion. SEA caused by S.aureus is more likely to present with SIRS and associated bacteremia. The intraoperative and needle aspiration cultures were of higher yield in S.aureus infections. Vertebral discitis and osteomyelitis on imaging appears to be relatively delayed in S.aureus infection. This may be explained by the virulent nature of S. aureus that may lead to a rapid epidural involvement prior to the onset of imaging abnormalities consistent with discitis or osteomyelitis. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis revealed no differences between the infections caused by methicillin-resistant S.aureus and methicillin-sensitive S.aureus. Disclosures. All authors: No reported disclosures.