Candida Tropicalis Spondylodiscits in an Immunocompetent Host: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background Fungal spondylodiscitis is not common but should be suspected in some cases. Candida tropicalis infections are being more frequently diagnosed due to some factors related to the microorganism. Case Description A C. tropicalis spondylodiscitis is described in a 72-year-old man who was treated with a combination of echinocandin (micafungin) and surgery. Conclusion The presence of some risk factors should promptly raise the suspicion of fungal spondylodiscitis. Treatment should be instituted as early as possible for the best outcome for the patient.

Spondylodiscitis with Extensive Spine Involvement ­ Case Report

Spondylodiscitis consists of an inflammatory process of infectious origin that affects primarily the intervertebral disc and spreads to the adjacent vertebral bodies, often evolving into osteomyelitis, with consequent associated neurological damage. The diagnosis is often delayed, with an average of 2 to 6 months between the appearance of the first symptoms and the confirmation of the disease. Therefore, the laboratorial and imaging exams play an important role in the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis, as well as in the orientation for the treatment to be followed (conservative or surgical). We report a case of extensive involvement of the spine and discuss about the epidemiology of the disease, its diagnosis, and therapeutic principles.

Mal de Pott en un indígena colombiano / Pott´s disease in a Colombian indigenous man

Cada año mueren alrededor de dos millones de personas a causa de la tuberculosis y se estima que un tercio de la población mundial está infectada con el bacilo que la causa, pero solo entre 5 y 10 % desarrolla la enfermedad. El riesgo de que la enfermedad progrese al estado activo depende de factores endógenos y exógenos. Las comunidades indígenas son un grupo con un alto riesgo de infectarse y enfermar de tuberculosis; además de factores como el aislamiento geográfico, el abandono social y cultural y la desnutrición, se han identificado en ellos polimorfismos genéticos que los hacen más propensos a la infección. La tuberculosis vertebral es la forma más destructiva de la enfermedad y representa cerca de la mitad de los casos de tuberculosis esquelética. Se presenta el caso de un paciente indígena colombiano con tuberculosis vertebral y resultado negativo para HIV. El diagnóstico se basó en los hallazgos clínicos y en los estudios de imaginología, y se confirmó mediante la prueba molecular rápida Genotype MTBDR plus ® y de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa PCR IS6110; el cultivo fue negativo a las 16 semanas de incubación. Se discuten brevemente la patogénesis, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento, y se comentan algunos aspectos relacionados con la situación de la tuberculosis en las comunidades indígenas colombianas.

Approximately 2 million people die each year from tuberculosis. One third of the world´s population is estimated to be infected with the tuberculosis bacillus, although only 5-10% will develop the disease in their lifetime. The disease progression risk depends on endogenous and exogenous factors. Indigenous communities are a high-risk group for infection and development of tuberculosis. In addition to factors such as geographical isolation, social and cultural neglect and malnutrition, susceptibility to genetic polymorphisms has been identified in them. Spinal tuberculosis is the most destructive form of the disease, which represents approximately half of all cases of skeletal tuberculosis. The case of an HIV negative, indigenous Colombian man is presented. His diagnosis was done based on clinical and image findings, and it was confirmed with the rapid molecular assay Genotype MTBDRplus ® and IS6110 PCR.The culture in solid media was negative after 16 weeks. We briefly discuss the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Finally, we comment on some aspects of the situation of tuberculosis among indigenous Colombian communities.

Infectious spondylodiscitis: has there been any evolution in the diagnostic and treatment outcomes? / Espondilodiscite infecciosa: houve evolução nos resultados do diagnóstico e tratamento? / ¿Espondilodiscitis infecciosa: hubo evolución en los resultados del diagnóstico y tratamiento?

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of treatment of patients with spondylodiscitis. Methods: Imaging exams used in this study were plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. Results: Data from 33 patients, 10 (30.3%) females and 23 (69.7%) males were evaluated. The average time to diagnosis was four months and 28 days (SD ± 1 month and 28 days) and 19 patients (57.5%) presented neurological deficit. Surgical treatment was performed in 22 patients (66.6%) and three patients (9.1%) had complications from the surgery. Conclusions: Despite technological advances in complementary exams, early diagnosis of spondylodiscitis remains a challenge. However, drug treatment associated with surgery shows good results. .

Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados clínicos e radiológicos do tratamento de pacientes portadores de espondilodiscite. Métodos: Os exames de imagem utilizados neste estudo foram radiografias simples e ressonância magnética da coluna vertebral. Resultados: Foram avaliados os dados de 33 pacientes, sendo 10 (30,3%) do sexo feminino e 23 (69,7%) do sexo masculino. O tempo médio gasto para o diagnóstico foi de 4 meses e 28 dias (DP ± 1 mês e 28 dias) e 19 pacientes (57,5%) apresentavam déficit neurológico. O tratamento cirúrgico foi realizado em 22 pacientes (66,6%) e três pacientes (9,1%) apresentaram complicações decorrentes do tratamento cirúrgico. Conclusões: Apesar do avanço tecnológico nos exames complementares, o diagnóstico precoce da espondilodiscite continua sendo um desafio. No entanto, o tratamento medicamentoso associado ao procedimento cirúrgico apresenta bons resultados. .

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados clínicos y radiológicos de tratamiento de pacientes con espondilodiscitis. Métodos: Las pruebas de imagen utilizadas en este estudio fueron las radiografías simples y resonancia magnética de la columna vertebral. Resultados: Los datos de 33 pacientes, 10 (30,3 %) del sexo femenino y 23 (69,7%) del sexo masculino fueron evaluados. El tiempo medio hasta el diagnóstico fue de 4 meses y 28 días (DE ± 1 mes y 28 días) y 19 pacientes (57,5%) tuvieron déficit neurológico. El tratamiento quirúrgico se realizó en 22 (66,6%) pacientes y 3 (9,1%) tuvieron complicaciones de la cirugía. Conclusiones: A pesar de los avances tecnológicos en los exámenes complementares, el diagnóstico precoz de espondilodiscitis sigue siendo un desafío. Sin embargo, el tratamiento farmacológico asociado con la cirugía presenta buenos resultados. .

Espondilodiscite: revisão de literatura / Spondylodiscitis: literature review

A espondilodiscite é a junção de osteomielite vertebral, espondilite e discite, sendo causada por vários agentes. O Staphylococcus aureus, Brucella abortus e Mycobacterium tuberculosis são os mais comuns no Brasil, e o reconhecimento dos patógenos é de extrema importância para a definição do tratamento antimicrobiano específico. Os exames de imagem são os exames de escolha para o diagnóstico da espondilodiscite, sendo a ressonância nuclear magnética (RNM) o padrão-ouro para fechar o diagnóstico, além de poder ser utilizado como método avaliativo da eficácia terapêutica. O tratamento conservador é feito com base no uso de antibióticos, uso de órteses e repouso. Já o tratamento cirúrgico consiste na descompressão da coluna, desbridamento da área infectada e fusão vertebral. O seguinte trabalho é uma análise das publicações ligadas ao assunto com o objetivo de esclarecer e elucidar dúvidas sobre um tema ainda pouco estudado no nosso meio neurocirúrgico, evidenciada pela escassez de trabalhos brasileiros nessa área.

The spondylodiscitis is the junction of vertebral osteomyelitis, spondylitis and discitis, being caused by various agents. The Staphylococcus aureus, Brucella abortus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are the most common in Brazil, and the recognition of pathogens is extremely important to define the specific antimicrobial treatment. Imaging tests are the tests of choice for the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis, and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard to make the diagnosis, and can be used as a method evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. The conservative treatment is based on the use of antibiotics, use of orthoses and repose. The surgical treatment consists in decompression of the column, debridement of infected area and spinal fusion. This article is an analysis of the publications related to the subject in order to clarify and elucidate questions about a subject still little studied in our midst neurosurgical, evidenced by the paucity of Brazilians studies in this area.

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis: an overview

Although uncommon, spontaneous and postoperative pyogenic spondylodiscitis entail major morbidity and may be associated with serious long-term sequelae. A review of the literature was done to advance our understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of these infections. The principles of conservative treatment are to establish an accurate microbiological diagnosis, treat with appropriate antibiotics, immobilize the spine, and closely monitor for spinal instability and neurological deterioration. The purpose of surgical treatment is to obtain multiple intraoperative cultures of bone and soft tissue, perform a thorough debridement of infected tissue and decompression of neural structures, and reconstruct the unstable spinal column with bone graft with or without concomitant instrumentation. Appropriate management requires aggressive medical treatment and, at times, surgical interventions. If recognized early and treated appropriately, a full recovery can often be expected. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the clinical presentation of such infections to improve patient outcome

Post operative spondylodiscitis, stabilization and fusion

Tweleve patients with postoperative spondylodiscitis [POD] not responding to conservative treatment, were managed by early surgical debridment of the infected necrotic tissue, transpedicular fixation and fusion and early mobilisation. Their mean age was 41.4 years old [range 28-65], 7 males and 5 females. Diagnosis was achieved 2 weeks to 3 months after disc surgery. The POD was diagnosed clinically, Laboratory by elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] values and radiologically by magnetic resonance imaging. According to the sensitivity studies of the obtained pathogens, systemic antibiotics were given, followed by early mobilisation of all patients in a light spinal corset. All patients experienced immediately reduced back pain and leg pain allowing them to leave their bed and start mobilisation during the first postoperative day. After a mean follow-up of 9 months [range 6-24 months] only one case was using analgesics. None had deteriorated, and all were ambulatory without bladder or bowel disturbances. Bacteriological diagnosis was obtained in 75% of the patients. Elevated ESR values returned to normal ranges within 30 to 60 days [mean 45 days] after reoperation. Early surgical removal of the necrotic and infected tissues and transpedicular stabilization of the affected spinal segment supported by specific antibiotic therapy should be considered as an effective means to treat POD, thereby avoiding a prolonged period of unpleasant immobilisation for the patient

Espondilodiscitis cervical hematogena: Diagnostico y tratamiento: Serie consecutiva de once pacientes / Hematogenous cervical spondylodiscitis: Diagnosis and treatment: Eleven consecutive patient`s series

Introducción: La espondilodiscitis cervical hematógena se manifiesta con diversos signos y síntomas. La íntimarelación de la médula espinal con este sector móvilconcede a las infecciones cervicales un trato especial.Por su baja incidencia no existen pautas precisas de tratamiento. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar retrospectivamente el tratamiento de una serie consecutiva de pacientes adultos con espondilodiscitis cervical hematógena. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron 11 pacientes con un seguimiento promedio de 60 meses. Los 7 pacientes con diagnóstico de inestabilidad mecánica, compromiso neurológico o presencia de abscesos fueron tratados quirúrgicamente con desbridamiento y artrodesis por vía anterior; los 4 restantes fueron tratados en forma conservadora. Todos recibieron inmovilización externa y antibioticoterapiaintravenosa. Resultados: Todos los pacientes presentaron remisión de los signos clínicos, radiológicos y de laboratorio de infección. En los 3 pacientes con compromiso medular la recuperación fue completa, mientras que, de los 3 pacientes con compromiso radicular, uno permanece con parestesias. Conclusiones: De acuerdo con nuestras pautas de selección, la combinación de la antibioticoterapia y la inmovilizaciónexterna o la cirugía resultó ser un tratamientoadecuado en esta pequeña serie de pacientes con espondilodiscitis cervical.

Espondilodiscitis y absceso epidural candidiásico / Candida spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess

Candida spondylodiscitis associatd with epidural abscess is rarely seen. We present a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma who received chemotherapy and developed systemic Candida infection, which was complicated by Candida spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess

Candida spondylodiscitis associatd with epiduralabscess is rarely seen. We present a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma who received chemotherapyand developed systemic Candida infection, which was complicated by Candida spondylodiscitis and epiduralabscess

Medical and surgical management of non- pyogenic spontaneous spondylodiscitis

Non-pyogenic spontaneous spondylodiscitis, although most commonly casued by tuberculosis, can be caused by brucellosis and a variety of fungi including aspergillus, coccidioides and candida. Direct aspiration or tissue biopsy is usually necessary to identify the causative organism. An appropriate antibiotic treatment for the likely offending organism is proposed. Surgical treatment is reserved for unstable spinal segment or marked kyphosis in the face of any neurologic deficit. Surgical approaches are dictated by the anatomic location of the offendnig lesion

Treatment of spontaneous and post-operative pyogenic spondylodiscitis

Spinal infection is an uncommon but important clinical problem that often requires aggressive medical and surgical management. If recognized early and treated appropriately, a full recovery can often be expected. Treatment and outcome of spontaneous and postoperative pyogenic spondylodiscitis are discussed. The principles of conservative treatment are to establish accurate microbiological diagnosis, treat with specific antibiotics, immobilise the spine and carefully monitor for spinal instability and neurological deterioration. The principles of surgical treatment are to obtain multiple intraoperative cultures of bone and soft tissue, perform a through debridement of infected tissue and decompression of neural structures, and reconstruct the unstable spinal column with bone graft +/- concomitant instrumentation

Treatment of post operative lumbar discitis

Between 1993 and 1998, 34 patients with postoperative lumbar discitis were treated at Assiut University Hospital. These patients had lumbar discectomy done at one level, 15 cases at Assiut University Hospital and the other 19 cases had their surgery performed at district hospitals. Twenty-four cases were treated conservatively and 10 were treated surgically by anterior debridement and fusion. The follow up period ranged between 2 and 5 years with an average of 3.5 years. The clinical results were very good and good in 29 cases and fair in 3 patients. Two cases treated conservatively were lost to follow-up. There was no statistical significant difference between the conservatively and surgically treated groups as regards the overall result at the latest follow-up, but the complications were higher in the surgical group

Fungal discitis due to Aspergillus terreus in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

We report a case of Aspergillus terreus discitis which developed in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia following induction chemotherapy. A. terreus was isolated from sputum, one month earlier, but the physician did not consider it significant at the time. Magnetic resonance imaging study showed the involvement of L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1 intervertebral discs. Etiology was established by means of histology and culturing a surgical specimen of disc materials. Our patient survived after a surgical debridement and amphotericin B administration with a total dose of 2.0 g. Discitis caused by Aspergillus terreus is a very rare event. A. terreus is one of the invasive Aspergillus species. The pathogenetic mechanism is discussed and the literature is reviewed.

Desbridamiento percutáneo de la espóndilo-disquitis piógena con el nucleotomo / Percutaneous debridement of the pyogenic spondilo-discitis by nucleotome

Se estudiaron 22 pacientes con espóndilo-disquitis piógena de la columna lumbar, siendo 15 hombres y siete mujeres con edad promedio de 54 años. En sólo 2/3 se encontró el foco de infección con predominio de: Salmonella, Brucella y cocos Gram positivos. El nivel más afectado fue L3-L4 y clínicamente todos tuvieron una lumbociatalgia con irradiación a algún dermatoma y los estudios radiológicos mostraron un proceso óseo destructivo en las plataformas vertebrales con reacción esclerosa, espículas óseas, compresión neurológica por el absceso e inestabilidad segmentaria. Tradicionalmente existen dos tipos de tratamiento: el conservador, con antibióticos y reposo en cama hasta por nueve meses y el quirúrgico, con un riesgo alto de morbimortalidad. Nosotros proponemos otra alternativa viable de tratamiento, con el uso de menos nucleotomo, para el desbridamiento percutáneo del absceso por ser invasivo y proporcionar muestra para estudio bacteriológico e histopatológico. Con el desbridamiento percutaneo del absceso, se descomprimen las estructuras neurológicas y la lumbociatalgia remitió en uno a cinco días con recuperación neurológica progresiva de uno a cuatro semanas en el 95 por ciento de los casos. Al drenar el absceso se observó una pronta reparación del defecto óseo y una función intersomática espontánea de cuatro a cinco meses de los 22 casos, estabilizándose la columna

Tratamiento de la espondilodisquitis piógena por aspiración percutánea automatizada: informe preliminar / Pyogenic spondylo-discitis treatment by automatized percutaneous nucelotomy: preliminary report

Se hizo un estudio prospectivo de 10 pacientes afectados por espondilo-disquitis piógena, con afección radicular, tratados de enero a diciembre de 1991 por medio de nucleotomía percutánea automatizada y administración de cefalosporina de tercera generación por 12 días. El resultado fue de fusión intesomática en promedio de los cuatro meses después de la operación en los 10 pacientes. Siete de los 10 tenían antecedentes sépticos comprobados, tres con salmonela, dos con pielonefritis, brucela en uno y artritis séptica en otro. Hubo reactivación de la infección después de la cirugía sólo en un paciente con Salmonella y typhi, que se presentó después de la quinta en dos ocasiones y persistió con actividad sistémica al momento del cierre del estudio.