Etiology-epidural abscess

• Hematogenous spread (⅔): skin infection, soft tissue (dental abscess), or endocarditis
• Direct extension (⅓): vertebral osteo, sacral ulcer, spinal anesthesia or surgery, LP
• Risk factors: IVDU diabetes, renal failure, alcoholism, immunosuppression
• S. aureus most common pathogen; in immunosuppressed, consider fungal, TB, and Nocardia