Spinal epidural abscess associated with moxibustion-related infection of the finger

OBJECTIVE: To describe a spinal epidural abscess that originated from cellulitis after moxibustion. METHODS: Case report. FINDINGS: A 78-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus was diagnosed with tetraplegia due to a cervical spinal epidural abscess extending to the thoracic spinal epidural space. The abscess was caused by osteomyelitis and cellulitis of the right third finger, which had been cauterized repeatedly with moxa. After surgical decompression and drainage of the spinal epidural abscess and comprehensive rehabilitation, motor strength and functional level improved. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates the risk of spinal epidural abscess in persons with diabetes mellitus who present with focal cellulitis and osteomyelitis.