Intramedullary abscess, an unusual manifestation of a dermal sinus.

Dermal sinuses are well-characterized lesions (1-3). A patient with a dermal sinus frequently has a hairy nevus or dimple overlying the tract. Yet, despite having this cutaneous marker, these patients often seek medical attention only after they suffer an infectious complication of the tract. Although infection most commonly will occur in the form of a cutaneous abscess, another more serious and not uncommon manifestation is meningitis. Rarely, infection may result in an intramedullary abscess (2, 3).