Infecciones piógenas de la columna vertebral / Pyogenic spinal infections

Las infecciones espinales son cuadros clínicos poco frecuentes, que exigen un alto índice de sospecha. La prevalencia de infecciones piógenas de la columna ha ido en aumento, en parte debido al envejecimiento de la población y a un mayor número de pacientes inmunocomprometidos. El estudio imagenológico se puede iniciar con radiografías simples, pero la resonancia magnética es el examen imagenológico de elección, ya que puede dar resultados positivos de forma precoz, entregando información más detallada del compromiso vertebral y tejidos blandos adyacentes. Aunque la clínica y los hallazgos imagenológicos nos pueden orientar, es importante intentar un diagnóstico microbiológico tomando cultivos y muestras para identificar al agente causal antes de iniciar los antibióticos; aunque es óptimo un tratamiento agente-específico, hasta un 25% de los casos queda sin diagnóstico del agente. El tratamiento es inicialmente médico, con antibióticos e inmovilización, pero se debe considerar la cirugía en casos de compromiso neurológico, deformidad progresiva, inestabilidad, sepsis no controlada o dolor intratable. El manejo quirúrgico actual consiste en el aseo y estabilización precoz de los segmentos vertebrales comprometidos. Descartar una endocarditis concomitante y el examen neurológico seriado son parte del manejo de estos pacientes.

Spinal infections are unusual conditions requiring a high index of suspicion for clinical diagnosis. There has been a global increase in the number of pyogenic spinal infections due to an aging population and a higher proportion of immunocompromised patients. The imaging study should start with plain radiographs, but magnetic resonance imaging (mri) is the gold standard for diagnosis. Mri can detect bone and disc changes earlier than other methods, and it provides detailed information on bone and adjacent soft tissues. Blood cultures and local samples for culture and pathology should be obtained, trying to identify the pathogen. According to the result, the most appropriate drug must be selected depending on susceptibility and penetration into spinal tissues. Treatment should start with antibiotics and immobilization; surgery should be considered in cases with neurological impairment, progressive deformity, spine instability, sepsis, or non-controlled pain. Current surgical treatment includes debridement and early stabilization. Practitioners should rule out endocarditis and perform a serial neurological examination managing these patients.

Infecção cervicofacial grave de origem odontogênica: relato de caso / Severe cervicofacial infection of odontogenic origin: case report

Introdução: as infecções odontogênicas tem como principal origem a necrose pulpar com invasão bacteriana no tecido periapical e periodontal, podendo levar à formação de quadros de celulite e posteriormente de abscesso, além disso, possuem o potencial de disseminar-se pelos espaços faciais profundos e comprometer a vida do paciente. Complicações graves, decorrentes dos quadros de infecções odontogênicas, podem ocorrer, se o tratamento instituído não for adequado, como: trombose do seio cavernoso, abscesso cerebral, mediastinite e até óbito. Objetivo: discutir o manejo das infecções odontogênicas disseminados em espaços faciais profundos, através do relato de caso clínico. Caso clínico: paciente de 52 anos, portador de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, com infecção odontogênica, no exame clínico inicial apresentava trismo, disfonia, dispneia, disfagia, hiperemia e edema em lado esquerdo da face, envolvendo os espaços canino, bucal, submandibular e cervical além de unidades dentárias com foco infeccioso. Em exame de tomográfica computadorizada, observou-se desvio da via área, presença de um grande volume de gás e de lojas de infecção. Optou-se como tratamento a remoção dos focos dentários e drenagem intraoral foi realizada pela equipe da CTBMF com anestesia local e posteriormente drenagem sob anestesia geral, intubação com uso de fibroscopia pela equipe de cirurgia cabeça e pescoço. Considerações finais: as infecções odontogênicas que envolvem espaços faciais profundos devem ser tratadas com urgência e o tratamento de escolha dessa condição deve ser remoção imediata do foco infeccioso, exploração e drenagem rápida e agressiva dos espaços faciais envolvidos e associação com antimicrobianos de amplo espectro com características bactericidas.(AU)

Introduction: the main origin of odontogenic infections is pulp necrosis with bacterial invasion in the periapical and periodontal tissue, which may lead to the formation of cellulitis and later abscess, besides having the potential to spread to the deep facial spaces and compromise the patient's life. Severe complications from dental infections may occur if the treatment is not appropriate, such as cavernous sinus thrombosis, brain abscess, mediastinitis and even death. Objective: to discuss the management of disseminated odontogenic infections in deep facial spaces through a case report. Case report: a 52-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with odontogenic infection, presented at the initial clinical examination trismus, dysphonia, dysphagia, dysphagia, hyperemia and edema on the left side of the face involving the canine, buccal, submandibular and cervical spaces. of dental units with infectious focus. CT scan revealed deviation of the airway, presence of a large volume of gas and infection stores. The treatment was chosen to remove dental foci and intraoral drainage was performed by the CTBMF team under local anesthesia and subsequently under general anesthesia drainage, intubation with fibroscopy by the head and neck surgery team. Final considerations: odontogenic infections involving deep facial spaces should be treated urgently and the treatment of choice for this condition should be immediate removal of the infectious focus, rapid and aggressive exploration and drainage of the involved facial spaces and association with broad-spectrum antimicrobials with bactericidal characteristics.(AU)

Translation to Brazilian Portuguese and Cultural Adaptation of the Craniocervical Dysfunction Index

Abstract Introduction Functional disorders of the craniocervical region affect 77.78% of Brazilian teachers. Among the most common instruments used to assess craniocervical disorders in a detailed and objective way, none had been translated to Brazilian Portuguese and adapted to Brazilian culture. Objectives To translate to Brazilian Portuguese and to culturally adapt the Craniocervical Dysfunction Index (CDI). Method The first phase of the study consisted of the translation, synthesis, backtranslation, and review of the contents by a committee of experts, who developed a trial version and sent all the steps to the original author. The trial version was applied to 50 teachers of an institution. The reliability and internal consistency were evaluated by Cronbach α. For the validation, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CDI was correlated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) domains for cervicalgia and evaluated by Spearman ρ. Result Some expressions were adapted to the Brazilian culture. Among the participants who did not report neck pain in the VAS, 84.21% suffered from craniocervical dysfunction acording to the CDI. Among the participants who reported neck pain in the VAS, 100% suffered from craniocervical dysfunction according to the CDI. The CDI showed good internal consistency and satisfactory reliability measured by Cronbrach α (α = 0.717). There was a strong correlation between the CDI and the VAS score (ρ = 0.735). Conclusion No difficulties were encountered in the translation and back-translation of the CDI, and no problems were observed regarding the trial version developed; therefore, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CDI is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate the functional alteration of the craniocervical region.

Abscesso espinhal epidural por disseminação hematogênica: relato de caso / Spinal Epidural Abscess by Hematogenous Spread: Case Report

Abscesso espinhal epidural é uma doença rara de diagnóstico difícil, sendo que o principal fator prognóstico é o diagnóstico breve. A maioria dos pacientes, porém, tem o diagnóstico tardio, quando já existem sintomas neurológicos que podem permanecer após o tratamento. Na maioria dos casos, os sintomas iniciais são dor nas costas, febre e paralisia. O tratamento é feito à base de antibioticoterapia empírica e, caso não haja contraindicação, descompressão e drenagem cirúrgica. Relata-se o caso de uma paciente que sofreu paralisia súbita nos membros inferiores. Inicialmente, havia suspeita de mielite transversa, mas a evolução do caso permitiu o diagnóstico de abscesso espinhal epidural emT6, T7 e T8, causada por disseminação hematogênica de Staphylococcus aureus.

Spinal epidural abscess is a rare and difficult disease to diagnose, and the main prognostic factor is the early diagnosis. Most patients, however, have their diagnosis delayed to when they already have neurological symptoms that may remain after treatment. In most cases, the initial symptoms are back pain, fever and paralysis. Treatment is based on empirical antibiotic therapy and, if there is no contraindication, decompression and surgical drainage. We report the case of a patient who suffered sudden paralysis of the inferior members. Initially suspected as transversemyelitis, the case evolved, allowing the diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess in T6, T7 and T8, caused by hematogenous spread of Staphylococcus aureus.

Surgical Outcome Predictor in Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Disease Based on Health Related Quality of Life Using Euro-Quality 5 Dimensions Analysis

PURPOSE: We aim to introduce the predictive value of a quantitatively described formula model in a multicenter prospective analysis using the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) health scale to anticipate postoperative improvement in patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease (DLSD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quality of life was evaluated in 376 patients from 17 tertiary hospitals before and after spinal decompression and fusion surgery. The five items of the EQ-5D, mobility (M), self-care (S), usual activities (A), pain/discomfort (P), and anxiety/depression (D), were checked as level 1, 2, or 3, with 3 being the worst. A minimal significant change in the calculated EQ-5D (cEQ-5D) was set as 0.05. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the highest successful outcome (cEQ-5D improvement after operation >0.05) with the given sets of 5 items of the EQ-5D. RESULTS: In the cEQ-5D analysis, among patients with a formula score of S+A+2×P+D≤8, 18/68 (27%) showed significant improvement in the cEQ-5D at 1 year postoperatively (p<0.05). However, in patients with a formula score of ≥9, 265/308 (86%) demonstrated significant improvements in the cEQ-5D at 1 year postoperatively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We suggest that S+A+2×P+D≥9 in the EQ-5D can quantitatively describe the better surgical outcome predictors for DLSD. With a definite DLSD lesion confirmed by an imaging study, patients who meet the formula scores of 9 or over and have refractory symptoms to non-operative treatment could be better surgical candidates resulting in satisfactory surgical outcomes of over 86%, than those who scored 8 or lower.

The several faces of Schmorl's node: pictorial essay / As diversas faces do nódulo de Schmorl: ensaio pictórico / Las diversas caras del nódulo de Schmorl: ensayo pictórico

The aim of this review is to present the imaging features of Schmorl's node (SN) occurring in conjunction with several etiologies. The SN is a relatively common finding in diagnostic spinal imaging. This condition is usually asymptomatic and its etiology is not always clear. Any disorder that weakens the subchondral bone of the vertebral body may lead to endplate disruption and consequent intravertebral disc herniation. SN is a common finding among asymptomatic patients, but may possibly be accompanied by symptoms in cases of trauma, hemispherical spondylosclerosis, calcific discitis with intravertebral migration, inflammatory diseases and neoplasms. Even though SN is generally associated with benign diseases, its presence does not exclude the possibility of concomitant malignancy in the vertebral body. Radiologists and spine surgeons must be aware of uncommon conditions that might be associated with SNs, as well as related radiological findings, in order to avoid misdiagnosis.

O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar as características de imagem do nódulo de Schmorl (NS) em conjunto com diversas etiologias. O NS é um achado relativamente comum nas imagens diagnósticas da coluna. Essa afecção geralmente é assintomática e sua etiologia nem sempre é clara. Qualquer doença que enfraqueça o osso subcondral do corpo vertebral pode levar à ruptura da placa terminal e, consequentemente, à hérnia intrassomática do disco intervertebral. O NS é comum em pacientes assintomáticos, mas pode eventualmente ser acompanhado de sintomas em casos de trauma, espondiloesclerose hemisférica, discite calcificada com migração intravertebral, doenças inflamatórias e neoplasias. Embora o NS seja, em geral, associado a doenças benignas, sua presença não exclui a possibilidade de doença maligna concomitante no corpo vertebral. Radiologistas e cirurgiões de coluna devem estar cientes das apresentações menos comuns do NS e dos achados radiológicos relacionados, a fim de evitar erros de diagnóstico.

El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar las características de imagen del nódulo de Schmorl (NS) que ocurren en conjunto con varias etiologías. El NS es un hallazgo relativamente común en imágenes diagnósticas de la columna vertebral. Esta condición suele ser asintomática y su etiología no siempre es clara. Cualquier enfermedad que debilita el hueso subcondral del cuerpo vertebral puede conducir a la ruptura de la placa terminal y la consiguiente hernia de disco intervertebral . El NS es un hallazgo frecuente en pacientes asintomáticos, pero, posiblemente, puede estar acompañada de síntomas en casos de trauma, espondiloesclerosis hemisférica, discitis calcificada con migración intravertebral, enfermedades inflamatorias y neoplasias. A pesar de que el NS se asocia generalmente con enfermedades benignas, su presencia no excluye la posibilidad de malignidad concomitante en el cuerpo vertebral. Los radiólogos y cirujanos de columna deben ser conscientes de las presentaciones menos comunes del NS, así como los hallazgos radiológicos relacionados, a fin de evitar un diagnóstico equivocado.

An update in the management of spinal metastases / Atualização no manejo das metástases na coluna vertebral

The best clinical treatment for spinal metastases requires an integrated approach with input from an interdisciplinary cancer team. The principle goals of treatment are maintenance or improvement in neurologic function and ambulation, spinal stability, durable tumor control, and pain relief. The past decade has witnessed an explosion of new technologies that have impacted our ability to reach these goals, such as separation surgery and minimally invasive spinal procedures. The biggest advance, however, has been the evolution of stereotactic radiosurgery that has demonstrated durable tumor control both when delivered as definitive therapy and as a postoperative adjuvant even for tumors considered markedly resistant to conventional external beam radiation. In this paper, we perform an update on the management of spinal metastases demonstrating the integration of these new technologies into a decision framework NOMS that assesses four basic aspects of a patient’s spine disease: Neurologic, Oncologic, Mechanical Instability and Systemic disease.

O tratamento dos pacientes com metástases na coluna requer uma abordagem multidisciplinar por equipe especializada em oncologia. Os objetivos básicos do tratamento são a manutenção/ melhora da função neurológica com preservação da deambulação, manutenção da estabilidade da coluna, controle tumoral e alívio da dor. A última década testemunhou uma explosão de novas tecnologias que auxiliaram a atingir os objetivos terapêuticos, como a cirurgia de separação e procedimentos minimamente cirúrgicos minimamente invasivos. Contudo, o maior avanço terapêutico constitui-se do uso da radiocirurgia no tratamento das metástases de coluna, que possibilita bom controle local tanto como terapia definitiva ou no pós-operatório de tumores, mesmo os considerados radioresistentes à radioterapia convencional. No presente artigo, realizamos atualização do manejo das metástases de coluna, apresentando a integração das novas tecnologias em um algoritmo de decisão “NOMS” que inclui os quatros aspectos básicos dos pacientes com metástases na coluna:Neurologic, Oncologic, Mechanical InstabilityeSystemic disease.

Prevalence of physical activity through the practice of sports among adolescents from Portuguese speaking countries / Prevalência de atividade física através da prática esportiva em adolescentes de países de língua Portuguesa

This study evaluated the prevalence of physical activity through the practice of sports in adolescents from schools in two Brazilian cities and a Portuguese school, and its association with independent variables, such as gender and age. A cross-sectional study was conducted of schoolchildren from two cities in Brazil and one in Portugal. The total study sample was 3694 subjects (1622 males and 1872 females). Physical activity levels were assessed using Baecke's questionnaire. Body weight was measured on electronic scales and stature was measured with a portable wooden stadiometer. Numerical variables were expressed as mean, categorical variables were expressed as percentages and the chi-square test analyzed associations. The prevalence of no sport was high (39.7%), being higher in the Portuguese school than in the Brazilian schools (p < 0.001). Irrespective of being an adolescent in a Brazilian or Portuguese school, boys showed higher engagement in sports practice than girls (p < 0.001). In both, differences were identified between adolescents aged 13 to 15 (P = 0.001) and 16 to 17 (P = 0.001). The prevalence of physical inactivity among schoolchildren from two cities in Brazil and a school in Portugal was high, with the girls practicing less sport than the boys and with this imbalance likely to be higher in adolescents.

Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência de atividade física por meio da prática de esportes em adolescentes de escolas de duas cidades brasileiras e jovens de uma escola portuguesa e sua associação com variáveis independentes, como sexo e idade. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em escolares de duas cidades do Brasil e em adolescentes de uma escola duma cidade de Portugal. A amostra total do estudo foi de 3.694 indivíduos (1.622 meninos e 1.872 meninas). O nível de atividade física foi avaliado usando o questionário Baecke. O peso corporal foi medido por meio de uma balança eletrônica e a estatura foi medida com um estadiômetro portátil. As variáveis numéricas foram expressas em média, as variáveis categóricas foram expressas em porcentagens e o teste do qui-quadrado analisou as associações. Resultados: A prevalência de nenhuma prática esportiva foi elevada (39,7%), sendo mais elevada em adolescentes de uma escola portuguesa do que adolescentes das escolas brasileiras (p<0,001). Independente de ser adolescente de escola brasileira ou portuguesa, os meninos apresentaram maior adesão à prática esportiva do que meninas (p<0,001). Em ambos, foram identificadas diferenças entre adolescentes de 13-15 anos (p = 0,001) e 16-17 anos (p = 0,001). Conclusões: A prevalência de inatividade física em escolares de duas cidades do Brasil e em uma escola de uma cidade de Portugal foi elevada. .

Hidatidosis vertebral: a propósito de un caso / Vertebral hydatidosis: case report

La hidatidosis causada por el echinococcus granulosus puede afectar cualquier órgano del cuerpo siendo el pulmón y el hígado los más comúnmente afectados. El compromiso vertebral por el echinococcus granulosus es de escasa prevalencia, comprendiendo con menos de 1% del compromiso óseo. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 50 años que consultó en Servicio de Traumatología por cuadro de dolor lumbar progresivo, de cinco meses de evolución, irradiado a extremidad inferior derecha y posterior compromiso neurológico de extremidad. El estudio imagenológico reveló espondilodiscitis T12-L1 que posterior a estudio de biopsia confirmó este cuadro. El tratamiento es mixto, tanto ortopédico como quirúrgico. El nivel de recurrencia es alto, reportándose entre 30 y 40%. El objetivo de este caso es proponer diagnóstico diferencial de masa vertebral de origen desconocido y detallar el manejo de esta patología.

Hydatidosis caused by echinococcus granulosus may affect any organ in the body, with the lungs and the liver as the most commonly affected organs. Vertebral compromise resulting from echinococcus granulosus has a low prevalence and accounts for less than 1% of bone compromise. We report the case of a 50 year-old female who presented at the Trauma Service with progressive low back pain with 5 months of duration that irradiated to the right lower limb, and led to neurologic compromise of the limb. Imaging studies showed spondylodiscitis at T12-L1, confirmed by a biopsy. Treatment of this condition is both orthopedic and surgical. The recurrence rate is high, between 30 and 40%. The objective of describing this case is to propose the differential diagnosis of a vertebral mass of unknown origin and provide details as to how to manage this condition.

Tracción vertebral manual: vigencia de una ancestral técnica de fisioterapia / Vertebral traction manual: force of an ancestral technical of physiotherapy / Traction vertébrale manuelle: validité d'une technique de physiothérapie ancestrale

Las algias vertebrales constituyen un problema que se caracteriza por su alta prevalencia en la población. Esta patología generalmente es benigna y su interés se centra en su elevada frecuencia, repercusión social, laboral y económica. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo explicar los fundamentos biofísicos, objetivos de su aplicación, efectos biológicos, metodología y técnica de aplicación, así como sus indicaciones y contraindicaciones. La fisioterapia ha sido durante mucho años, una herramienta muy utilizada en la resolución de los síntomas producidos por este tipo de lesión, dentro de sus modalidades se encuentra la tracción vertebral manual, método terapéutico que se basa, en el estiramiento mecánico del raquis, generalmente dirigido a un segmento de este, para mejorar el dolor y la contractura muscular; controvertida técnica para muchos especialistas por prejuicios que le rodea sin evidencia clínica clara. No obstante, esta técnica mantiene su eficacia, como medio terapéutico en el alivio del dolor.

The spinal pain constitute a problem that characterizes by his high prevalence in the population. This pathology generally is benign and his interest centres in his high frequency, social repercussion, labour and economic. The present article has like aim explain the biophysical foundations, aims of his application, biological effects, methodology and technical of application, as well as his indications and contraindications. The physiotherapy has been during a lot of years, a very used tool in the resolution of the symptoms produced by this type of injury, inside his modalities finds the vertebral traction manual, therapeutic method that bases , in the stretching of the spine, generally headed to a segment of east, to improve the pain and the muscular contracture; controversial technician for a lot of specialists by prejudices that surrounds him without clear clinical evidence. This technique keeps his current efficiency like half therapeutic in the relief of the pain.

Les algies vertébrales constituent un trouble physique caractérisé par un taux de prévalence très haut dans la population. Cette pathologie est généralement bénigne, et son point d’intérêt réside sur sa haute fréquence, son retentissement social, économique, et du travail. Le présent article est visé à expliquer ses fondements biophysiques, les objectifs de sa mise en application, ses effets biologiques, sa méthodologie, sa technique d’application, et ses indications et contre-indications. La physiothérapie a été depuis longtemps un outil très utilisé pour l’amélioration des symptômes provoqués par ce type de lésion ; elle comprend la traction vertébrale manuelle, technique thérapeutique basée sur l’allongement mécanique du rachis et dirigée généralement à un segment de celui-là pour soulager la douleur et la contraction musculaire. Étant donnés les préjudices sans fondement scientifique qui l’entourent, elle est devenue une technique très polémique pour beaucoup de spécialistes. Toutefois, cette technique maintient son efficacité comme moyen thérapeutique pour soulager la douleur.

Cervical spondylitis and spinal abscess due to Actinomyces meyeri

Human actinomycosis with involvement of the spine is a rare condition although it has been first described a long time ago. It is probably underrecognized since its clinical presentation is often misleading and accurate bacteriological diagnosis is challenging. We herein report a rare case of cervical actinomycosis with paravertebral abscess and spondylitis imputed to an infection by Actinomyces meyeri in a 52-year-old immunocompetent Caucasian man. A. meyeri should be considered as a potential cause for subacute or chronic spondylitis, even in immunocompetent subjects. Modern diagnostic tools such as Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption–Ionization Time of Flight mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA sequencing are efficient for accurate microbiological identification.

Differentiation between Focal Malignant Marrow-Replacing Lesions and Benign Red Marrow Deposition of the Spine with T2*-Corrected Fat-Signal Fraction Map Using a Three-Echo Volume Interpolated Breath-Hold Gradient Echo Dixon Sequence

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of T2*-corrected fat-signal fraction (FF) map by using the three-echo volume interpolated breath-hold gradient echo (VIBE) Dixon sequence to differentiate between malignant marrow-replacing lesions and benign red marrow deposition of vertebrae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed 32 lesions from 32 patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging after being referred for assessment of a known or possible vertebral marrow abnormality. The lesions were divided into 21 malignant marrow-replacing lesions and 11 benign red marrow depositions. Three sequences for the parameter measurements were obtained by using a 1.5-T MR imaging scanner as follows: three-echo VIBE Dixon sequence for FF; conventional T1-weighted imaging for the lesion-disc ratio (LDR); pre- and post-gadolinium enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images for the contrast-enhancement ratio (CER). A region of interest was drawn for each lesion for parameter measurements. The areas under the curve (AUC) of the parameters and their sensitivities and specificities at the most ideal cutoff values from receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were obtained. AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were respectively compared between FF and CER. RESULTS: The AUCs of FF, LDR, and CER were 0.96, 0.80, and 0.72, respectively. In the comparison of diagnostic performance between the FF and CER, the FF showed a significantly larger AUC as compared to the CER (p = 0.030), although the difference of sensitivity (p = 0.157) and specificity (p = 0.157) were not significant. CONCLUSION: Fat-signal fraction measurement using T2*-corrected three-echo VIBE Dixon sequence is feasible and has a more accurate diagnostic performance, than the CER, in distinguishing benign red marrow deposition from malignant bone marrow-replacing lesions.

Congenital Anomaly of the Atlas Misdiagnosed as Posterior Arch Fracture of the Atlas and Atlantoaxial Subluxation

Partial or complete absence of the posterior arch of the atlas is a well-documented anomaly but a relatively rare condition. This condition is usually asymptomatic so most are diagnosed incidentally. There have been a few documented cases of congenital defects of the posterior arch of the atlas combined with atlantoaxial subluxation. We report a very rare case of congenital anomaly of the atlas combined with atlantoaxial subluxation, that can be misdiagnosed as posterior arch fracture.

Gota axial / Gout in the spine

A gota axial pode afetar todos os segmentos da coluna vertebral. Ela se manifesta como dor nas costas, dor associada com sintomas neurológicos, e como comprometimento neurológico sem dor em 17,9%, 75,8% e 4,2% dos casos, respectivamente. Essas manifestações foram a primeira apresentação da gota em muitos pacientes. Embora radiografias, bem como tomografia computadorizada e especialmente ressonância magnética, possam ser muito sugestivos, análises histopatológicas, citológicas e pesquisa de cristais são o padrão ouro de diagnóstico. Na maioria dos casos que envolveram manifestações neurológicas, o paciente foi submetido à cirurgia, levando a resultados satisfatórios. Há, no entanto, alguns relatos de recuperação total após o tratamento clínico habitual para gota, o que sugere que esse tratamento pode ser a opção inicial para os indivíduos com histórico de gota e sinais radiológicos de envolvimento axial.

Axial gout can affect all segments of the spine. It is manifested as back pain, as pain associated with neurological symptoms, and as neurological impairment without pain in 17.9%, 75.8% and 4.2% of cases, respectively. These manifestations were the first presentation of gout in many patients. Although x-rays as well as computed tomography and especially magnetic resonance scans can be very suggestive, histopathological, cytological and crystal analyses are the diagnostic gold standard. In most cases involving neurological manifestations, the patient underwent surgery, leading to satisfactory results. There are, however, some reports of full recovery following the usual clinical treatment for gout, suggesting that such treatment may be the initial option for those subjects with a history of gout and radiological findings of axial involvement.

Prevalencia de brucelosis en columna: Evolución clínica y manejo quirúrgico / Prevalência de brucelose na coluna vertebral: Evolução clínica e conduta cirúrgica / Prevalence of brucellosis in the spine: Clinical course and surgical management

OBJETIVO: Conocer la prevalencia, características clínicas y de tratamiento de la espondilodiscitis por Brucella. MÉTODOS: Un total de 104 pacientes con diagnóstico de espondilitis espinal de los cuales 20 correspondieron a espondilitis por Brucella, tratados de forma conservadora con antibióticos o quirúrgicamente, mediante descompresión y estabilización de la columna en cualquier segmento, en el periodo comprendido entre Enero 2006 a Junio 2011. Se elaboró una hoja de captura para recolección de la información, la cual contenía la identificación del paciente, síntomas referidos, signos físicos, parámetros laboratoriales y tratamiento médico y quirúrgico. RESULTADOS: Trece pacientes del sexo masculino y 7 del sexo femenino, con edad promedio de 59,2 años y desviación estándar de 13,6 años. Tres pacientes tenían afectación del segmento torácico, 13 del segmento lumbar y 4 del segmento lumbo-sacro. Trece pacientes presentaron fiebre, el dolor lumbar se presentó en los 20 pacientes, parestesias en 12, debilidad en 9, artralgias, mialgias y anorexia en 5, radiculopatía en 13, cefalea en 1 y pérdida de peso en 5 pacientes. Veinte casos recibieron tratamiento médico con doxiciclina combinada con rifampicina. En 8 casos se realizó instrumentación posterior combinada con laminectomía y fusión póstero-lateral, en 2 se realizó instrumentación posterior combinada con discectomía del nivel afectado y fusión póstero-lateral y en 1 caso se realizó laminectomía combinada con discectomía y fusión. CONCLUSIÓN: La prevalencia de espondilodiscitis fue del 19,2%, siendo el dolor lumbar y la fiebre síntomas con alto índice de sospecha de espondilitis espinal. La descompresión combinada con estabilización y fusión es el tratamiento quirúrgico de elección.

OBJETIVO: Conhecer a prevalência, as características clínicas e de tratamento da espondilodiscite por Brucella. MÉTODOS: Um total de 104 pacientes com diagnóstico de espondilite espinal, dos quais 20 corresponderam a espondilite por Brucella, tratados de forma conservadora com antibióticos ou cirurgicamente, por descompressão e estabilização da coluna em qualquer segmento, no período de janeiro de 2006 a junho de 2011. Foi elaborado um formulário de dados para coleta das informações, contendo identificação do paciente, sintomas relatados, sinais físicos, parâmetros laboratoriais e tratamento médico e cirúrgico. RESULTADOS: Treze pacientes do sexo masculino e 7 do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 59,2 anos e desvio padrão de 13,6 anos. Três pacientes foram acometidos no segmento torácico, 13 no segmento lombar e 4 no segmento lombossacral. Treze pacientes tiveram febre, a dor lombar estava presente nos 20 pacientes, parestesias em 12, debilidade em 9, artralgias, mialgias e anorexia em 5, radiculopatia em 13, cefaleia em um e perda de peso em 5 pacientes. Vinte casos receberam tratamento clínico com doxiciclina combinada com rifampicina. Em 8 casos, realizou-se instrumentação posterior combinada com laminectomia e fusão póstero-lateral, em 2 realizou-se instrumentação posterior combinada com discectomia do nível afetado e fusão póstero-lateral e em um caso, procedeu-se à laminectomia combinada com discectomia e fusão. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de espondilodiscite foi de 19,2%, sendo a dor lombar e a febre sintomas com alto índice de suspeita de espondilite espinal. A descompressão combinada com estabilização e fusão é o tratamento cirúrgico de escolha.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and treatment of spondylodiscitis due to Brucella. METHODS: A total of 104 patients diagnosed with spinal spondylitis, of which 20 corresponded to Brucella spondylitis, treated conservatively with antibiotics or surgically by decompression and stabilization of the spine in any segment, from January 2006 to June 2011. We created a data sheet for collecting information containing patient identification, reported symptoms, physical signs, laboratory parameters and medical and surgical treatment. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were males and 7 females, with a mean age of 59.2 years and standard deviation of 13.6 years. Three patients were affected in the thoracic segment, 13 in the lumbar and lumbosacral segment, 4. Thirteen patients had fever, low back pain was present in the 20 patients, in 12 there were paresthesias, weakness in 9, arthralgias, myalgias and anorexia in 5, radiculopathy in 13, headache, and weight loss in 5 patients. Twenty cases received medical treatment with doxycycline combined with rifampicin. In 8 cases, posterior instrumentation combined with laminectomy and posterolateral fusion was performed, on 2, posterior instrumentation combined with discectomy and fusion of the affected level posterolateral was held and in one case, laminectomy and discectomy combined with fusion was performed. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of spondylodiscitis was 19.2%, with lower back pain and fever symptoms with high suspicion of spinal spondylitis. The decompression combined with stabilization and fusion is the treatment of choice.

Vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscesses caused by Prevotella oralis: a case report

An interesting case of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis with multiple epidural abscesses caused by non-pigmented Prevotella oralis is reported. The patient was a 68-year-old female who presented to the emergency room (ER) with severe pain and tenderness in her lower back with fever. She had recently undergone esophagogastroduodensoscopy (EGD) for complaints of esophageal reflux, which showed submucosal cyst in the esophagus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracic spine revealed multiple spinal epidural abscesses with signal enhancement at the level of T6 and T7, suggestive of vertebral osteomyelitis. Two blood cultures drawn one hour apart grew Prevotella oralis. The body fluid aspirated from the abscesses was also positive for the anaerobic commensal P. oralis. Necrosis associated with the submucosal cyst was implicated as the cause of sepsis and osteomyelitis due to this organism.