Atypical presentations of epidural abscess in intravenous drug abusers

Two cases of epidural abscess in afebrile intravenous drug abusers are presented. Both patients presented for evaluation of back pain that developed only after having moved heavy household items. One patient admitted to not having used intravenous drugs in at least 2 years. These cases are presented to illustrate the atypical fashion in which epidural abscess may present.