Spondylodiscitis associated with multiple level involvement and negative microbiological tests: An unusual case


ÜMİT YEMİŞCİ O., Cosar S. N. S., Oztop P., Karatas M.

Spine, cilt.35, sa.19, 2010 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 35 Sayı: 19
  • Basım Tarihi: 2010
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1097/brs.0b013e3181c52d56
  • Dergi Adı: Spine
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: spondylodiscitis, pain, MRI, intervertebral disc
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

Study Design.: A case report. Objective.: To report an unusual case of spondylodiscitis with multiple level involvement. Summary of Background Data.: Spondylodiscitis, an infection of the intervertebral disc space, vertebral bodies, or the paraspinal epidural space can be a serious disease because of diagnostic delay and inadequate treatment. Methods.: A previously healthy, 52-year-old man was presented to our outpatient clinic with a complaint of acute, atraumatic onset of severe back pain for more than 1 month. Initially, he was misdiagnosed at another clinic as myofascial pain and treated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatories and physical therapy, which he did not benefit from. He never complained of fever; however, laboratory tests revealed raised erythrocyte sedimentation values, increased C-reactive protein values but normal leukocyte count. Thoracal and lumbal plain radiographs were nonspecific. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated increased signal intensity in vertebral bodies and intervertebral disc space through T12-L4 and in the paravertebral musculature at L2-L3 with contrast enhancement. Blood cultures and computed tomography-guided needle biopsy and cultures were negative. Results.: The patient was treated with oral amoxicillin and clavulanate and responded very well clinically; however, imaging examinations were repeated up to 6 months because of multilevel involvement. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging findings at 3 months and 6 months showed decreased signal intensity, and luckily, there was no evidence of vertebral destruction. Conclusion.: Diagnosis of spondylodiscitis could be challenging and commonly missed; however, it should always be included in the differential diagnoses of back pain in the middle aged and healthy population. © 2010, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.