"Penumbra sign" in knee pain: a case of distal femur osteomyelitis

"Penumbra sign" is a characteristic finding in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Brodie's abscess, a rare variant of subacute osteomyelitis. We aimed to discuss the imaging finding penumbra sign that will help in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis and may be useful to clinicians in differential diagnosis. A 26-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of pain and limping in the right knee that did not go away. He had a history of arthroscopic debridement and percutaneous fixation surgery due to osteochondral fragment 3 years ago. There were no additional findings in the patient's vital parameters, physical examination, and medical history. X-ray imaging revealed two screws in the distal femur and a well-defined sclerotic rim surrounding a radiolucent lesion anterior to the screws. MRI revealed a lesion in the distal femoral metaphysis with low-density fluid and hyperintense granulation tissue surrounding it. After surgical abscess drainage and local debridement, bone cement was placed in the resulting cavity. Teicoplanin treatment was started. The patient was discharged and complete recovery was achieved in the second month. The diagnosis of osteomyelitis is often missed or confused with bone tumors in non-traumatic cases presenting with persistent bone pain. MRI imaging is frequently used in differential diagnosis, and detection of characteristic imaging signs such as the penumbra sign accelerates the diagnosis. In this context, emergency department clinicians, in particular, should be cautious and not forget that early treatment can be started by recognizing these signs.

Absceso de Brodie en la clavícula: una forma poco frecuente de presentación / Brodie abscess in the clavicle: an uncommon presentation

La osteomielitis (OM) se define como la inflamación ósea de origen infeccioso. La forma aguda es frecuente en la edad pediátrica. El absceso de Brodie es un tipo de osteomielitis subaguda, históricamente con baja incidencia, pero que actualmente se presenta un aumento de la misma. De poca repercusión clínica, con pruebas de laboratorio inespecíficas y estudios radiológicos de difícil interpretación, es crucial la sospecha diagnóstica. Se asemeja a procesos neoplásicos, benignos o malignos. Recae en la experiencia del profesional realizar el diagnóstico adecuado. El tratamiento consiste en antibioticoterapia, tanto parenteral como por vía oral, y eventualmente drenaje quirúrgico. Presentamos una paciente sana que consultó por una tumoración en topografía de clavícula izquierda de 3 meses de evolución. Se realizó diagnóstico de absceso de Brodie, inició tratamiento y se obtuvo una buena respuesta. Resulta imprescindible tener un alto índice de sospecha de esta entidad para no someter al paciente a estudios, pruebas invasivas o tratamientos erróneos, y evitar secuelas a futuro.

Osteomyelitis is defined as an inflammation of the bone caused by infection. Acute osteomyelitis is common in pediatrics. A Brodie abscess is a type of subacute osteomyelitis, with a historically low incidence; however, its incidence is currently increasing. Given its little clinical impact, with non-specific laboratory tests and radiological studies of difficult interpretation, diagnostic suspicion is crucial. It resembles neoplasms, either benign or malignant. An adequate diagnosis falls on the health care provider's experience. Treatment consists of antibiotics, both parenteral and oral, with potential surgical drainage. Here we describe the case of a healthy female patient with a tumor found in the topography of the left clavicle 3 months before. She was diagnosed with Brodie abscess; treatment was started with a good response. A high index of suspicion of Brodie abscess is critical to avoid invasive tests and studies or inadequate treatments, and to prevent future sequelae.

Chronic Bi-Maxillary Osteomyelitis Caused by Actinomycetes in a Patient with Severe COVID-19 / Osteomyelitis bi-maxilar crónica causada por Actinomycetes en un paciente con COVID-19 severo

Abstract Osteomyelitis is defined as the inflammation of the either medullary, cortical, or cancellous bone, including nerves and blood vessels, causing necrosis and bone sequestrum formation; this condition has become a rare pathology, and odontogenic infections are considered the most frequent causal factor. This case shows a patient with bi-maxillary osteomyelitis caused by Actinomyces spp, which was worsened for severe COVID-19 infection. Patient was submitted at surgery as, amplified total bilateral maxillectomy through the surgical technique Weber-Fergusson, and prolonged use of combination of antibiotics, achieved a good recovery. Two years later follow- up, the patient no show imaging or clinical evidence of the infection of osteomyelitis. The present case shows an interesting relationship between a rare infection and its association with COVID-19.

Resumen La osteomielitis se define como la inflamación del hueso medular, cortical o esponjoso, incluyendo nervios y vasos sanguíneos, causando necrosis y formación de secuestro óseo; esta condición es una patología rara, y las infecciones odontogénicas son consideradas como el factor causal más frecuente. En este caso, se muestra un paciente con osteomielitis bi-maxilar causada por Actinomyces spp, la cual empeoró por la infección de COVID-19 severo. El paciente fue sometido a una cirugía, maxilectomía bilateral total amplificada, a través de la técnica quirúrgica de Weber- Fergusson, y el uso prolongado de una combinación de antibióticos, logrando una buena recuperación. A los 2 años de seguimiento, el paciente no mostró evidencia clínica o imagenológica de la infección de osteomielitis. El presente caso muestra una interesante relación entre una infección rara y su asociación con COVID-19.

Osteomielitis primaria de esternón / Primary sternal osteomyelitis

La osteomielitis primaria de esternón es muy infrecuente en niños, con menos de 100 casos publicados hasta la actualidad. Su presentación clínica es a menudo inespecífica, lo que causa un retraso en el diagnóstico. Se presentan dos nuevos casos de osteomielitis primaria de esternón. Ambos referían un cuadro de fiebre, malestar general, dolor torácico y rechazo del decúbito, con eritema preesternal en uno de los casos. La velocidad de sedimentación globular y la proteína C-reactiva estaban elevadas en ambos casos. El diagnóstico se confirmó mediante estudios de imagen y en un caso se aisló Staphylococcus aureus sensible a meticilina en el hemocultivo. Ambos se recuperaron sin complicaciones con tratamiento antibiótico. Debe tenerse en cuenta la osteomielitis primaria de esternón en el diagnóstico diferencial del dolor torácico, especialmente si se acompaña de fiebre, signos inflamatorios locales, intolerancia al decúbito o elevación de reactantes de fase aguda.

Primary sternal osteomyelitis is very rare in children, with less than 100 cases published to date. Its clinical presentation is often non-specific, which results in a diagnostic delay. Here we describe 2 new cases of primary sternal osteomyelitis. Both referred fever, malaise, chest pain, and refusal to lie down, with pre-sternal erythema in one of the cases. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein values were high in both cases. The diagnosis was confirmed by imaging studies; methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in the blood culture of one of them. Both recovered without complications with antibiotic treatment. Primary sternal osteomyelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chest pain, especially if accompanied by fever, local inflammatory signs, intolerance to lying down, or increased acute phase reactants.

Pelvic Ewing Sarcoma: The Great Mimicker / Sarcoma de Ewing pélvico: o grande imitador

Abstract Ewing sarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor of the pelvis in children and young adults. Even with aggressive treatment, its survival rate is amongst the poorest. Classical presentation may not be the rule. It may simulate clinically, imagiologically and histopathologically other nonmalignant entities. Therefore, its suspicion should not be overlooked. We report two cases of pelvic Ewing sarcoma: the first mimicking eosinophilic granuloma, and the second mimicking osteomyelitis. In the latter, we also report an atypical finding of its natural history: an initial response to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment. In both cases, we highlight the possibility of an inconclusive percutaneous bone biopsy and the importance of immunochemistry and cytogenetics for the definitive diagnosis.

Resumo O sarcoma de Ewing é o tumor ósseo maligno da pelve mais comum em crianças e adultos jovens. Mesmo com tratamento agressivo, sua taxa de sobrevivência está entre as piores. A apresentação clássica pode não ser a regra. Ele pode simular clinicamente, imaginologicamente e histopatologicamente outras entidades não malignas. Portanto, sua suspeita não deve ser negligenciada. Relatamos dois casos de sarcoma pélvico: o primeiro imitando granuloma eosinofílico e o segundo imitando osteomielite. Neste último, também relatamos um achado atípico de sua história natural: uma resposta inicial ao antibiótico e ao tratamento anti-inflamatório. Em ambos os casos, destacamos a possibilidade de uma biópsia óssea percutânea inconclusiva e a importância da imunoquímica e da citogenética para o diagnóstico definitivo.

Frontal osteomyelitis post-COVID-19 associated mucormycosis

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is the most commonly noted form of mucormycosis, which is the most common secondary fungal infection following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Osteomyelitis is one of the rare sequelae of ROCM, frontal osteomyelitis being the rarest. We present four patients of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis, who presented with frontal bone osteomyelitis after being treated for ROCM surgically and medically. This is the first case series highlighting this complication in post–COVID-19 mucormycosis patients and needs utmost attention as it can be life-threatening and can cause extreme facial disfiguration. All four patients are alive with salvage of the affected globe and vision being preserved in one patient. If identified early, disfiguration of face and intracranial extension can be avoided.

Detection and expression of SapS, a class C nonspecific acid phosphatase with O-phospho-L- tyrosine-phosphatase activity, in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from patients with chronic osteomyelitis / Detección y expresión de SapS, una fosfatasa ácida no específica de clase C con actividad de fosfatasa O-fosfotirosina, en aislamientos de Staphylococcus aureus de pacientes con osteomielitis crónica

Introduction. The identity of Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors involved in chronic osteomyelitis remains unresolved. SapS is a class C non-specific acid phosphatase and a well-known virulence factor that has been identified in S. aureus strain 154 but in protein extracts from rotting vegetables. Objective. To identify the SapS gene and characterize the activity of SapS from S. aureus strains: 12 isolates from bone infected samples of patients treated for chronic osteomyelitis and 49 from a database with in silico analysis of complete bacterial genomes. Materials and methods. The SapS gene was isolated and sequenced from 12 S. aureus clinical isolates and two reference strains; 49 S. aureus strains and 11 coagulase-negative staphylococci were tested using in silico PCR. Culture media semi-purified protein extracts from the clinical strains were assayed for phosphatase activity with p-nitro-phenyl- phosphate, O-phospho-L-tyrosine, O-phospho-L-serine, and OphosphoL-threonine in conjunction with various phosphatase inhibitors. Results. SapS was detected in the clinical and in-silico S. aureus strains, but not in the in silico coagulase-negative staphylococci strains. Sec-type I lipoprotein-type N-terminal signal peptide sequences; secreted proteins, and aspartate bipartite catalytic domains coding sequences were found in the SapS nucleotide and amino acid sequence analysis. SapS dephosphorylated with p-nitro-phenyl-phosphate and ophosphoLtyrosine were selectively resistant to tartrate and fluoride, but sensitive to vanadate and molybdate. Conclusion. SapS gene was found in the genome of the clinical isolates and the in silico S. aureus strains. SapS shares biochemical similarities with known virulent bacterial, such as protein tyrosine phosphatases, suggesting it may be a virulence factor in chronic osteomyelitis.

Introducción. Se desconoce la identidad de los factores de virulencia de Staphylococcus aureus implicados en la osteomielitis crónica. Sin embargo, SapS, una fosfatasa ácida no específica de clase C, es un factor de virulencia reconocido y ya fue identificada en la cepa 154 de S. aureus, pero en extractos proteicos de vegetales podridos. Objetivo. Detectar el gen SapS y caracterizar la actividad de la fosfatasa SapS en cepas de S. aureus aisladas de pacientes con osteomielitis crónica y en las reportadas en una base de datos de análisis in silico de genomas bacterianos completos. Materiales y métodos. Se aisló y secuenció el gen SapS en los 12 aislamientos clínicos de S. aureus y en dos cepas de referencia; estas secuencias se analizaron junto con las secuencias de las cepas reportadas en la base de datos de genomas bacterianos: 49 cepas de S. aureus y 11 cepas de estafilococos negativos para coagulasa. Se evalúo la actividad de la fosfatasa SapS, presente en los extractos de los sobrenadantes de los cultivos de las cepas clínicas, mediante la hidrólisis de fosfato p-nitrofenil, O-fosfo-L- tirosina, O-fosfo-L serina y O-fosfo-L treonina junto con varios inhibidores de fosfatasas. Resultados. Se detectó el gen SapS en el genoma de las cepas clínicas y en las 49 cepas de S. aureus analizadas in silico, pero no en las 11 cepas de estafilococos negativos para coagulasa. La secuenciación de SapS reveló un péptido señal presente en el extremo N-terminal de proteínas extracelulares y los dominios bipartitos de aspartato (DDDD) en su sitio catalítico. SapS hidroliza selectivamente el fosfato p-nitrofenil y la O-fosfo-L-tirosina, pero es sensible a vanadato y molibdato. Conclusión. Se encontró SapS en el genoma de S. aureus de las cepas clínicas y de las cepas de simulación computacional. La SapS con actividad específica para la hidrólisis de la O-fosfo-L-tirosina comparte similitudes bioquímicas con las fosfatasas-tirosina bacterianas, por lo que puede formar parte de la red de factores de virulencia de la osteomielitis crónica.

Características epidemiológicas de la Osteomielitis aguda en niños internados en un hospital infeccioso de referencia

Introducción: La osteomielitis aguda es una infección del hueso que afecta principalmente a los niños y tiene generalmente diseminación hematógena, a veces asociada a un trauma. En la etiología influyen factores, como la edad, el estado inmunológico y las enfermedades concomitantes. En la mayoría de los casos, el principal agente etiológico es Staphylococcus aureus. Es importante el diagnóstico oportuno para evitar secuelas a mediano o largo plazo. Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas de un grupo de pacientes con osteomielitis aguda. Métodos: Se realizó la revisión retrospectiva de los expedientes clínicos de pacientes egresados del servicio de pediatría del Instituto de Medicina Tropical, entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2020, con diagnóstico de osteomielitis aguda. Resultados: Los varones con osteomielitis corresponden al 67,8% del total de 59 casos registrados, en cuanto a los signos y síntomas, el dolor, la tumefacción y la impotencia funcional fueron predominantes, la fiebre se documentó en 49 (83,1%) pacientes, se registró antecedentes de cirugía en 37 (62,7%) de los pacientes y complicaciones en 42 (71,2%) de los pacientes, la complicación más frecuente fue osteomielitis crónica El sitio anatómico más frecuente fueron los miembros inferiores. El tratamiento empírico fue realizado con cefalosporinas de 3G en 72,9% de los pacientes, ya sea solo o combinado con clindamicina o vancomicina, un paciente con aislamiento de M. tuberculosis recibió tratamiento HRZE. Se aisló algún germen 44 pacientes (74,5%), el microorganismo predominante fue Staphylococcus aureus en 81,8 %, la mitad (52,3%) correspondieron a SAMR Se encontró una alta resistencia a oxacilina del 55,8% y un solo paciente resistente a clindamicina (2,2%). Conclusión Los hallazgos fueron similares a los reportados en la literatura en cuanto a etiología, sitio anatómico afectado y cobertura antibiótica.

Introduction: Acute osteomyelitis is a bone infection that mainly affects children and generally has hematogenous spread, sometimes associated with trauma. The etiology is influenced by factors such as age, immune status, and comorbidities. In most cases, the main etiologic agent is Staphylococcus aureus. Timely diagnosis is important to avoid sequelae in the medium or long term. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of a group of patients with acute osteomyelitis. Methods: A retrospective review of the clinical records of patients discharged from the pediatric service of the Institute of Tropical Medicine was carried out between January 2016 and December 2020, with a diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis. Results: Men with osteomyelitis correspond to 67.8% of the total of 59 registered cases, in terms of signs and symptoms, pain, swelling and functional impotence were predominant, fever was documented in 49 (83.1%) patients, a history of surgery was recorded in 37 (62.7%) of the patients and complications in 42 (71.2%) of the patients, the most frequent complication was chronic osteomyelitis The most frequent anatomical site was the lower limbs. Empirical treatment was performed with 3G cephalosporins in 72.9% of the patients, either alone or in combination with clindamycin or vancomycin. One patient with M. tuberculosis isolation received HRZE treatment. Some germ was isolated in 44 patients (74.5%), the predominant microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus in 81.8%, half (52.3%) corresponded to MRSA. A high resistance to oxacillin of 55.8% and a only patient resistant to clindamycin (2.2%). Conclusion The findings were similar to those reported in the literature in terms of etiology, affected anatomical site, and antibiotic coverage.

A rare diagnosis has no certainty, but still they occur: A case report

Pain and swelling are among the most frequently encountered complaints in an orthopedics outpatient department (OPD) relatively less common in a pediatric OPD. A high level of suspicion is required to diagnose bone diseases. Common conditions such as rickets, septic arthritis, and tuberculosis must be ruled out. Treatment such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or steroids may mask an underlying serious condition in which if left untreated can cause significant morbidity and mortality to the person. Here, we discuss a case of a young infant 11 months of age who had symptoms suggestive of septic arthritis and was later found to have Brodie’s abscess which is a type of subacute osteomyelitis on further evaluation which is usually mistaken as a tumor. This age at presentation is rare.

Cultivo versus metagenómica para la identificación bacteriana en pacientes con osteomielitis de pie diabético: una revisión sistemática / Culture and metagenomics as bacterial identification methods in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is a serious complication of infected ulcers in a diabetic patient. The identification of the infecting microorganisms is generally by culture, which causes a bias. Recently, metagenomics has been used for microbial identification. AIM: To systematically review the scientific literature related to DFO in the last 10 years to evaluate if culture and metagenomics are complementary. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To carry out the systematic review, PRISMA and Rayyan were used for the selection of studies, using three databases, using the keywords diabetes, osteomyelitis, culture and microbiome. Articles in English or Spanish were included, containing information related to bacterial identification in DFO. Characteristics of the technique, patients and frequency of bacterial appearance were collected. RESULTS: Twenty six articles were included, 19 used culture and 7 metagenomics. The patients were predominantly men (68%), with an average age of 61 years, 83% had type 2 diabetes and comorbidities, mainly vascular and neuropathy. The Families with the highest frequency of appearance using the culture technique were Enterobacteriaceae (29.3%) and Staphylococcaceae(28.3%) and with metagenomics Peptoniphilaceae (22.1%) and Staphylococcaceae (9.4%). Peptoniphilaceae were not identified in culture, although they were frequently identified by metagenomics. Methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus, regularly identified by culture, was not identified using metagenomics. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing results, there is a certain complementarity between microbiological culture and sequencing to identify bacteria present in DFO.

Osteomielitis hematógena del fémur en el adulto

Introducción: Las infecciones del tejido óseo por gérmenes patógenos por la vía hematógena son frecuentes en el niño en las zonas metafisarias y columna vertebral en el adulto. Objetivo: Presentar el caso de una paciente adulta con osteomielitis del fémur por vía hematógena. Caso clínico: Paciente de 38 años de edad, blanca, femenina sin comorbilidad conocida, la cual acude a la consulta de Ortopedia y Traumatología por referir dolor intenso a nivel del muslo derecho que no remite al tratamiento ambulatorio con analgésicos. Mediante la exploración física se observó ligero aumento de volumen a nivel del muslo distal. A la palpación se detectó hiperestesia cutánea en especial hacia la cara lateral. La tomografía axial computarizada detectó a nivel de la diáfisis distal del fémur derecho, lesión osteolítica con presencia de una hiperdensidad en su interior con densidad ósea. Al tener en cuenta todos los elementos anteriores, se decide llevar la paciente al quirófano, para tratamiento de tipo quirúrgico, donde se realizó incisión quirúrgica lateral en la zona distal del muslo derecho, se avanzó por planos quirúrgicos y se realizó punción ósea con trocar de ocho milímetros donde se observó salida de pus espeso. Conclusiones: La osteomielitis hematógena es una enfermedad típica del paciente con epífisis abiertas y en la columna vertebral del adulto. La invasión al tejido óseo por la vía hematógena en el adulto que no sea en la columna es muy infrecuente.

Introduction: Infections of the bone tissue by pathogenic germs by hematogenous route are frequent in the child in the metaphyseal zones and in the spine in the adult. Objective: To present an adult patient with osteomyelitis of the femur by hematogenous route. Clinical case: A 38-year-old white female patient with no known morbidity, clinical record 253853, named MRA, who went to the Orthopedics and Traumatology clinic for reporting severe pain at the level of the right thigh that did not respond to treatment with ambulatory pain relievers. Physical examination revealed a slight increase in volume at the level of the distal thigh. On palpation, skin hyperesthesia was detected, especially towards the lateral aspect of the knee. A computed tomography scan detected an osteolytic lesion at the distal diaphysis of the right femur with the presence of hyperdensity with bone density. Taking all the above elements into account, it was decided to take the patient to the operating room for surgical treatment, where a lateral surgical incision was made in the distal area of the right thigh, surgical plans were performed, and an eight millimeters trocar bone puncture was used to open the bone where thick pus was observed. Conclusions: Hematogenous osteomyelitis is a typical entity of the patient with open epiphyses and in the adult spine. Invasion of bone tissue by the hematogenous route in adults other than in the spine is very rare.

Infección por bartonella henselae en pacientes pediátricos. Lesión pseudotumoral de calota. Reporte de caso

Los tumores de calota en pacientes pediátricos poseen múltiples etiologías. Dentro de las causas pseudotumorales, las infecciones juegan un rol importante, siendo la osteomielitis por Bartonella henselae (Enfermedad por Arañazo de Gato) una posibilidad diagnóstica rara, pero que debe ser estudiada y descartada. Se presenta el caso de una lactante de 1 año, con lesión expansiva de calota, a nivel frontal derecho, hipervascularizada e infiltrativa. Se realizó estudio con ultrasonido, tomografía cerebral y cintigrama óseo. Se realizó resección quirúrgica completa de la lesión, con preservación de la duramadre y zona fontanelar, además de un cuidadoso trato con el seno sagital superior. Evolucionó sin complicaciones perioperatorias. El resultado de la biopsia fue compatible con proceso inflamatorio crónico, osteomielitis supurada. Tinción de Warthin Starry positiva sugerente de Bartonella henselae. Se descartó etiología tuberculosa y fúngica. Serología positiva para Bartonella henselae. La paciente completó antibioticoterapia, azitromicina y cotrimoxazol, con evolución clínica favorable.

Calvarial tumors in pediatric patients have multiple etiologies. Among the pseudotumoral causes, infections play an important role, being Bartonella henselae osteomyelitis (Cat Scratch Disease) a rare diagnostic possibility, but it should be studied and ruled out. We present the case of a 1 year old infant, with an expansive lesion of the calvaria, at right frontal level, hypervascularized and infiltrative. Ultrasound, brain tomography and bone scintigram were performed. Complete surgical resection of the lesion was performed, with preservation of the dura mater and fontanel area, in addition to a careful treatment with the superior sagittal sinus. The patient evolved without perioperative complications. The biopsy result was compatible with a chronic inflammatory process, suppurative osteomyelitis. Positive Warthin Starry stain suggestive of Bartonella henselae. Tuberculous and fungal etiology was ruled out. Positive serology for Bartonella henselae. The patient completed antibiotic therapy, azithromycin and cotrimoxazole, with favorable clinical evolution.

Antimicrobial peptide for bacterial infection imaging: first case reported in Brazil

ABSTRACT Molecular imaging markers can be used to differentiate between infection and aseptic inflammation, determine the severity of infection, and monitor treatment responses. One of these markers is ubiquicidin(29-41) (UBI), a cationic peptide fragment that binds to the bacterial membrane wall and is labeled with gallium-68 (68Ga), a positron emitter radioisotope. The use of UBI in positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for improved detection of lesions has been receiving considerable attention recently. Herein, we report the first case of 68Ga-UBI PET/CT performed in Brazil. The patient was a 39-year-old woman referred for a scan to confirm a clinical suspicion of chronic osteomyelitis of her fractured left tibia. PET images revealed radiotracer uptake near the posterior contour of the tibial fracture focus and the fixation plate, in the soft tissue around the distal half of the tibia, and in the non-consolidated fracture of the left distal fibula. Surgery for local cleaning was performed, and culture of a specimen collected from the surgical site confirmed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. In the present case, 68Ga-UBI PET/CT, a non-invasive imaging modality, identified the infection foci in vivo, indicating its potential for clinical use.

Necrotizing Otitis Externa: A Proposal for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach

Abstract Introduction Necrotizing otitis externa has a high impact on the quality of life of patients and has shown a significant increase in its incidence in recent years. There has been a change in the profile of affected patients and a lack of consensus on the management of these patients. Objective To develop a practical and effective care protocol to standardize the diagnostic and therapeutic management of necrotizing otitis externa. Methods A retrospective cohort study of necrotizing otitis externa patients between January 2015 and December 2020. Results There were 34 patients with two bilateral cases, totaling 36 ears. The mean age was 68.5, with a higher prevalence of males (76%). Diabetes was present in 97% of the samples. The involvement of cranial pairs was identified in 35% of the sample. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent pathogen isolated, found in 50% of the cases. Among the cultures with bacterial agents isolated, 35% showed resistance to ciprofloxacin. The most frequent exam was computed tomography (94%). Hospital admission was indicated for 31 patients (91%), and ceftazidime was the most prescribed drug (35.5%). There were 11 recurrences (32%), and 12 patients (35%) had complications during treatment. Among the unfavorable outcomes, 12% persisted with some degree of peripheral facial paralysis, 6% maintained dysphagia, and 9% died of the disease. Conclusions The present study developed a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol for the effective management of necrotizing otitis externa. This protocol is a dynamic tool and should be revised and updated as new demands emerge during its implementation.

S53p4 bioactive glass putty in the local treatment of cavitary chronic osteomyelitis / Biovidro ativo s53p4 em pasta no tratamento local da osteomielite crônica cavitária

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluating the clinical results of bioactive glass S53P4 putty for the treatment of cavitary chronic osteomyelitis. Methods: Retrospective observational study, including patients of any age with clinical and radiological diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis, who underwent surgical debridement and implantation of bioactive glass S53P4 putty (BonAlive® Putty, Turku, Finland). Patients who underwent any plastic surgery on the soft tissues of the affected site or had segmental bone lesions or septic arthritis were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel®. Demographic data, as well as data on the lesion, treatment, and follow-up, were collected. Outcomes were classified as "disease-free survival," "failure," or "indefinite." Results: This study included 31 patients, of which 71% were men and had with a mean age of 53.6 years (SD ± 24.2). In total, 84% were followed-up for at least 12 months and 67.7% had comorbidities. We prescribed combination antibiotic therapy for 64.5% of patients. In 47.1%, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. Finally, we classified 90.3% of cases as "disease-free survival" and 9.7% as "indefinite." Conclusion: Bioactive glass S53P4 putty is safe and effective to treat cavitary chronic osteomyelitis, including infections by resistant pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a atividade do vidro bioativo S53P4 em pasta no tratamento de osteomielite crônica. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo, com inclusão de indivíduos de qualquer idade com diagnóstico clínico e radiológico de osteomielite que realizaram tratamento cirúrgico com limpeza e desbridamento, seguido do preenchimento da cavidade com biovidro S53P4 em pasta (BonAlive ® Putty, Turku, Finland). Foram excluídos pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de cirurgia plástica nos tecidos moles do local afetado, com lesões ósseas segmentares e com presença de artrite séptica. A análise estatística foi realizada em Excel ® . Foram coletados dados demográficos, sobre a lesão, o tratamento e o acompanhamento. O desfecho foi classificado em "sobrevida livre de doença", "falha" ou "indeterminado". Resultados: Dos 31 pacientes analisados, 71% eram homens, com idade média de 53,6 anos (DP ± 24,26). Do total, 84% foram acompanhados por no mínimo 12 meses, e 67,7% apresentaram comorbidades. A terapia antibiótica combinada foi realizada em 64,5% dos pacientes, sendo o patógeno mais frequente o Staphylococcus aureus (47,1%). Ao final, 90,3% dos pacientes obtiveram "sobrevida livre de doenças" e 9,7% foram considerados "indeterminados". Conclusão: O vidro bioativo S53P4 em pasta é seguro e eficaz no tratamento da osteomielite cavitária e de infecções por patógenos resistentes, incluindo o S. aureus multirresistente. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Infección osteoarticular multifocal en un recién nacido / Multifocal osteoarticular infection in a neonate / Infecção osteoarticular multi-focal num recém-nascido

Tanto la osteomielitis como la osteoartritis séptica en el período neonatal son patologías infrecuentes. La afectación ósea de la columna cervical es aún más rara, siendo excepcional en neonatos. Son patologías graves, con elevada morbimortalidad, donde el diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz agresivo son de suma importancia para el pronóstico vital y funcional. Presentamos el caso de un neonato que presentó una sepsis a S. Aureus multirresistente, asociada a una osteomielitis de la primera vértebra cervical y a una osteoartritis séptica de la cadera izquierda. Fue tratado precozmente de forma quirúrgica y con antibioticoterapia, presentando una buena evolución.

Both osteomyelitis and septic osteoarthritis in the neonatal period are infrequent pathologies. Bone involvement of the cervical spine is even rarer, being exceptional in neonates. These are serious pathologies, with high morbimortality, where early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are of utmost importance for the vital and functional prognosis. We present the case of a neonate who presented with sepsis due to multidrug-resistant S. Aureus, associated with osteomyelitis of the first cervical vertebra and septic osteoarthritis of the left hip. He was treated early surgically and with antibiotic therapy, presenting a good evolution

Tanto a osteomielite como a osteoartrose séptica no período neonatal são patologias raras. O envolvimento ósseo da coluna cervical é ainda mais raro, sendo excepcional nos recém-nascidos. Estas são patologias graves, com elevada morbimortalidade, onde o diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento agressivo são da maior importância para o prognóstico vital e funcional. Apresentamos o caso de um recém-nascido que apresentou sepse devido a S. Aureus multirresistente, associado a osteomielite da primeira vértebra cervical e osteoartrose séptica da anca esquerda. Foi tratado precocemente cirurgicamente e com terapia antibiótica, com uma boa evolução.

Predictive value of radiologic studies for malignant otitis externa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Necrotizing Otitis Externa (NOE) based on radiologic studies. Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases were searched. True-positive and false-negative results were extracted for each study. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Results: The included studies contained data on 37 studies diagnosed with NOE. The sensitivity of gallium-67, technetium-99m, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was 0.9378 (0.7688-0.9856), 0.9699 (0.8839-0.9927), and 0.9417 (0.6968-0.9913), respectively. For Computed Tomography (CT), the positive criteria consisted of bony erosion alone and bony erosion plus any soft tissue abnormality. The sensitivity of CT based only on bony erosion was 0.7062 (0.5954-0.7971); it was higher 0.9572 (0.9000-0.9823) when based on bony erosion plus any soft tissue abnormality. Conclusion: The diagnostic sensitivity of technetium-99m, gallium-67, and MRI was favorable. On CT, the presence of bony erosion may be a useful diagnostic marker of NOE, but the diagnostic sensitivity will be even higher if the criterion of any soft tissue abnormality is also included; however, care should be taken when interpreting the results. Our study demonstrates the potential utility of radiology studies for diagnosing NOE, but their lack of specificity must be considered, and standardized anatomic criteria are still needed. Level of evidence: 2A.

Osteomielite: perfil epidemiológico e desfechos verificados em pacientes internados em um hospital público de Curitiba / Osteomyelitis: epidemiologic profile and outcomes of inpatients of a public hospital in Curitiba

Introdução: Osteomielite é inflamação aguda ou crônica de ossos trabeculares ou corticais, periósteo, medula óssea e tecidos moles próximos. É classificada pela localização dentro do osso, extensão da dispersão e fonte de infecção. Objetivo: Avaliar os aspectos epidemiológicos dos pacientes internados com osteomielite e analisar relação entre o tempo de internamento e fatores correlatos.Métodos: Estudados dados de 33 pacientes de uma seleção inicial de 42 prontuários. Resultados: O grupo de 0 a 20 anos com 8 (24,4%) pacientes ficou 18 ± 24 dias, 13 (39,4%) adultos jovens (21 a 40 anos): 12,3 ± 12,4 d; 6 (18,1%) adultos (41 a 60 anos) e 6 (18,1%) >60 anos receberam cuidados hospitalares por 31,8 ± 36 e 19,6 ± 15,8 dias respectivamente. O periodo maior de permanência foi de 91 dias. O etilismo (6%), o tabagismo (6%) e o diabetes (6%) foram as comorbidades mais encontradas. A mortalidade foi de 15%, sendo que 60% eram usuários de álcool. O perfil epidemiológico também mostrou o predomínio do sexo masculino na faixa de 21 a 40 anos e o principal agente infeccioso encontrado foi S. aureus. Conclusão: A alta taxa de mortalidade em indivíduos maiores de 50 anos, com maior permanência hospitalar e presença de comorbidades como o etilismo e diabetes mellitus alerta para a necessidade de planejamento estratégico visando intervenções que diminuam prejuízos tanto para o paciente quanto para o sistema de saúde.

Introduction: Osteomyelitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of trabecular or cortical bones, periosteum, bone marrow, and nearby soft tissue. It is classified by location within the bone, extent and source of infection. Objective: Assess the epidemiological aspects of hospitalized patients with osteomyelitis and analyze the relationship between length of stay and correlated factors. Methods: Data were collected from 33 patients from an initial selection of 42. Results: The groups were arranged as follows: 8 (24.4%) individuals from 0-20 yo and with a hospital stay of 18 ± 24 d; 13 (39.4%) young adults (21-40 yo) and 12.3 ± 12.4 d; 6 (18.1%) adults (41-60 yo) and 31.8 ± 36 d; and 6 (18.1%) over 60 yo who were under hospital care for 19.6 ± 15.8 d. The longest period of hospital stay was 91 days. Alcoholism (6%), smoking habits (6%) and diabetes (6%) were the most common comorbidities. Mortality rate was 15%, among which 60% were alcohol users. The epidemiologic profile also showed that the majority of the hospitalized were males between the ages 21-40 yo and the most common infective agent was S. aureus. Conclusion: the high mortality rate in individuals over 50, with comorbidities and longer hospital stays highlights the need for strategic planning yielding interventions that diminish harm to the patients and the health system.

Value of conventional MRI and high resolution diffusion weighted imaging in differentiation nasopharynx and skull base osteomyelitis from locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of conventional MRI and high resolution diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) for preoperative discrimination between nasopharyngeal-skull base osteomyelitis (NP-SBO) and locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC).Methods:From January 2017 to October 2021, 27 patients of NP-SBO and 32 patients of LA-NPC were retrospectively analyzed at the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University. The clinical characteristics and conventional MRI features were collected, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of polygonal (ADC polygonal) and small circle were measured from readout segmentation of long variable echo-trains (RESOLVE) DWI. MRI features included laterality, margin, signal intensity of T 1WI and T 2WI, enhancement degree, component, abscess, deep mucosal white line, bone invasion, lymph nodes involvement and other accompany symphtoms. The independent sample t test, χ 2 test or Fisher exact test were used to compare the features and ADC values of the NP-SBO and LA-NPC groups. The logistic regression was applied to select independent predictors in the distinguishing LA-NPC from NP-SBO. Then, the conventional MRI model, ADC model and conventional MRI in combination with ADC model were built. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of models were compared using DeLong test. Results:The age, diabetic status, cranial nerve deficits, inner component, abscess, deep mucosal white line, lymph nodes involvement and ADC polygonal were significantly different between NP-SBO and LA-NPC groups ( P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that ADC polygonal (OR=0.972, 95%CI 0.951-0.993, P=0.011) and abscess (OR=0.101, 95%CI 0.013-0.774, P=0.027) were the independent predictors in the discrimination of NP-SBO and LA-NPC. The AUC (95%CI) of conventional MRI model (abscess), ADC model (ADC polygonal) and combination model were 0.634 (0.499-0.756), 0.870 (0.757-0.943), and 0.925(0.829-0.979), respectively. The AUC of combination model was higher than that of conventional MRI model ( Z=4.77, P<0.001), while there was no difference between combination model and ADC model ( Z=1.87, P=0.062). The AUC of conventional MRI model was lower than that of ADC model ( Z=2.84, P=0.005). Conclusion:Conventional MRI in combination with RESOLVE DWI shows good performance in differentiating between NP-SBO and LA-NPC, especially for abscess in combination with ADC polygonal value.

The effect of electroacupuncture stimulation at acupoint Zusanli on the model of Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To explore whether the electroacupunture stimulation (ES) at acupoint Zusanli (ST36) can inhibit the bone loss caused by Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infection and its mechanism in a model of SA osteomyelitis.Methods:Twelve male C57 BL/6 mice aged 10 to 12 weeks were randomly divided into 2 even groups ( n=6) for SA infection + ES or SA infection only. After ES at ST36 was conducted for 4 weeks in the model of SA osteomyelitis, samples were harvested from the femora and tibiae. Micro-CT reconstruction was performed to detect trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), connectivity density (Conn.Dn) to analyze changes in bone mass. Leptin receptor (LEPR) staining was performed to detect osteoblasts. Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to detect the changes in osteoclasts. The changes in plasma inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results:Micro-CT results showed that the BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, and Conn.Dn in the cancellous bone in the target areas in the SA + ES group were all higher than those in the SA group, LEPR immunofluorescence results indicated that the number of osteogenic precursor cells in the ES group was larger than that in the SA group, and serum ELISA indicated a decrease in inflammatory factors in the blood in the SA+ES group compared with the SA group. There were significant differences in the comparisons above ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of osteoclasts on the surface of trabecular bone between the 2 groups in TRAP staining. Conclusion:ES may slow down infectious bone destruction by inhibiting the inflammatory response induced by SA infection and by inducing aggregation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into trabecular bone.