Espondilodiscitis por Kingella kingae: A propósito de un caso de presentación atípica / Atypical presentation of Spondylodiscitis by Kingella Kingae: a case report

La espondilodiscitis infecciosa es una infección poco frecuente en niños, con mayor incidencia en menores de 6 años. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 8 años, que se internó por dolor lumbar de 2 meses de evolución, afebril. La radiografía, tomografía e imagen por resonancia magnética nuclear fueron compatibles con espondilodiscitis a nivel de L4-L5. Luego de 10 días de antibioticoterapia empírica con clindamicina, con regular respuesta, se realizó punción ósea y se aisló Kingella kingae. Existe un aumento en la incidencia de infecciones osteoarticulares por Kingella kingae en lactantes y niños pequeños. La reemergencia en los últimos años se justifica por la optimización en las técnicas de cultivo, el uso de sistemas automatizados y de técnicas moleculares de diagnóstico. Kingella kingae es un patógeno que ha adquirido importancia en los últimos años en las infecciones osteoarticulares.

Infectious Spondylodiscitis is a rare infection in children. It is more frequent in patients under 6 years of age. We report the case of an 8-year-old patient with lumbar pain for 2 months, without fever. Xrays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging all three showed spondylodiscitis L4-L5. After a 10-day antibiotic treatment with clindamycin with regular response, a bone puncture was performed isolating Kingella kingae (Kk). Ostearticular infections caused by Kk have increased among infants and children. Due to improvement in culture techniques, the usage of automatic systems and assessment molecular techniques, these infections re-emerged in the past few years. Kk is a pathogen that has lately become significant in osteoarticular infections.

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.

Espondilodiscitis secundaria a anestesia peridural / Spondilodiscitis secondary to peridural anesthesia

Se presenta el caso de un paciente con espondilodiscitis secundaria al uso de anestesia peridural lumbar para la resección transuretral de una hiperplasia fibroadenomatosa de la próstata. El cuadro clínico estuvo determinado por lumbalgia aguda con incremento progresivo que llevó al confinamiento en cama del paciente. En el examen físico del sistema osteomioarticular predominó la contractura paravertebral lumbar, así como en la palpación de esta región. En el examen neurológico no se encontraron alteraciones. La tomografía axial computarizada multicorte, así como la gammagrafía ósea de columna lumbar, confirmaron el diagnóstico. Se indicó tratamiento médico basado en los síntomas, antibioticoterapia combinada y ortesis externa. La recuperación total del paciente ocurrió a los 6 meses del inicio de la enfermedad(AU)

This is the case of a patient presenting with spondilodiscitis secondary to use of lumbar peridural anesthesia for transurethral resection of a prostatic fibroadenoma hyperplasia The clinical picture was determined by a acute lumbar pain with a progressive increase leading to put to bed the patient. In physical examination of osteomyoarticular system there was predominance of lumbar paravertebral contracture, as well as in palpation of this region. In neurological examination there weren't alterations. The multi-scan computed axial tomography and the spine column bone scintigraphy confirmed the diagnosis. Medical treatment was prescribed based on symptoms, combined antibiotic drug therapy and external orthesis. The total recovery of patient occurred at 6 months from the onset of diseases(AU)

Espondilodiscitis tuberculosa en Cádiz (España) durante diez años / Tuberculous spondylodiscitis. Report of six patients

Background: Tuberculous spondylodiscitis is relatively uncommon but represents the most common location of osseous tuberculosis. Aim: To describe clinical features, imaging studies and laboratory tests to establish the diagnosis in a group of patients living in Cádiz (Spain). Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with tuberculous spondylodiscitis diagnosed between 2000 and 2009. The diagnosis was based on microorganism recovery from vertebral samples obtained by imaging guided biopsies. Results: Six patients with positive Mycobac-terium tuberculosis cultures from vertebral samples, were identified (10 percent of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis). In only 2 patients the Ziehl-Nielsen stain was positive, and histology was compatible in 4 cases. Four patients were females, their mean age was 54.3 years and the mean duration of symptoms was 7.3 months. Three patients had lumbar location and a positive Mantoux test. A soft tissue abscess was present in 4 cases. None of these patients had neurological complications. The treatment with four tuberculostatic agents (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol) was effective in 5 patients. Conclusions: Tuberculous spondylodiscitis may become a serious disease due to diagnostic and treatment delays. The main examinations to establish diagnosis are magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy with microbiological culture. Generally, antituberculous therapy is effective in this clinical situation.

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

Spondylodiscitis associated with recurrent Serratia bacteremia due to a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS): a case report

We report a case of spondylodiscitis caused by multiresistant Serratia marcescens in a cirrhotic patient who had several Serratia bacteremias after the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) device. We concluded that an endovascular stent that can not be removed makes management of recurrent bacteremia difficult. Furthermore, back pain due to bacteremia is indicative of spondylodiscitis. Serratia marcescens can be an aggressive pathogen, causing spinal infection.

Espondilodiscite por brucelose: relato de caso / Brucellosis spondylodiscitis: case report

Relata-se um caso de espondilodiscite por Brucella em um paciente do sexo masculino, 56 anos, fazendeiro, com manifestações sistêmicas da doença. O diagnóstico foi realizado por sorologia com título de 1/160, hemocultura positiva, o VHS foi elevado, bem como alterações radiológicas mostraram espondilodiscite ao nível de T8/T9 compatíveis com a patologia. O paciente foi tratado com estreptomicina 1gIM/dia por 15 dias, doxaciclina e rifampicina por seis semanas, com melhora clínica do quadro. O envolvimento vertebral na brucelose é uma complicação de ocorrência variável na literatura, mas considerado pouco freqüente, de difícil diagnóstico principalmente em regiões com alta prevalência de tuberculose, visto que esta pode mimetizar o quadro de brucelose. Chama-se atenção a um caso raro de espondilodiscite por brucelose, dada a necessidade de diagnóstico precoce e tratamento a fim de se evitar possíveis seqüelas.

A case of spondylodiscitis due to Brucella with systematic manifestation of the disease, in a 56-year-old male patient who was a farmer, is reported. The diagnosis was made from serological tests, with a titer of 1/160. The blood culture was positive and the blood sedimentation rate was high. Radiological abnormalities showed spondylodiscitis at the T8/T9 level that were compatible with this disease. The patient was treated with streptomycin at 1g IM/day for 15 days, and doxycycline plus rifampicin for six weeks, with a clinical improvement in the condition. Vertebral involvement in brucellosis is a complication of variable occurrence in the literature. However, it is considered to be infrequent and difficult to diagnose, particularly in regions with high prevalence of tuberculosis, given that this may mimic conditions of brucellosis. Attention is drawn to this rare case of spondylodiscitis due to brucellosis, given the need for early diagnosis and treatment in order to avoid possible sequelae.

PCR identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in a clinical sample from a patient with symptoms of tuberculous spondylodiscitis

A 42-year-old male complaining of thoracic spine pain was admitted to the hospital for evaluation. An X-ray and computer tomography of the thoracic spine showed spondylodiscitis of the L3 lumbar and L2-L3 intervertebral disk. The tuberculin skin test (PPD) was strongly positive. A radioscopy-guided fine needle aspirate of the affected area was cultured but did not reveal the cause of the disease. Two biopsy attempts failed to reveal the cause of the disease by culturing or by acid-fast-resistant staining (Ziehl Neelsen) of the specimens. A third biopsy also failed to detect the infectious agent by using microbiological procedures, but revealed the presence of a 245-bp amplicon characteristic of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex after PCR of the sample. The result demonstrates the efficacy of PCR for the identification of M. tuberculosis in situations in which conventional diagnosis by culturing techniques or direct microscopy is unable to detect the microorganism. Following this result the patient was treated with the antituberculous cocktail composed by rifampicin, pirazinamide and isoniazid during a six-month period. At the end of the treatment the dorsalgia symptoms had disappeared.

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

Study of the effectiveness of gentamycin injection in disc space during lumbar discectomy in prevention of postoperative discitis

This prospective study was performed on 150 patients operated upon by lumber discectomy. Seventy-five cases were treated by an injection of 2 ml ampoule of gentamycin in the disc space that was removed; while in the other 75, 2 ml ampoule of sterile water was injected in the disc space. The study showed six cases of postoperative discitis, all in the placebo group, and three cases were diabetics. All cases were in L4-5 disc space. The frequency of discitis was 6/150. In gentamycin group, the frequency was 0%; while in the placebo group, it was 8%. It was concluded that the intraoperative prophylaxis with gentamycin is effective in the prevention of postoperative discitis

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.

Espondilodiscitis y artritis de tobillo por Candida albicans en escolar / Candida albicans osteoarthritis spondilodyscitis in chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

Un escolar de 13 años de edad, con antecedentes de candidiasis mucocutánea desde los seis meses de vida, sufrió artritis del tobillo derecho -de cuya biopsia se identificó Candida albicans- y espondilodiscitis de TIO-T11 y T4-T5. Se trató con anfotericina B y 5-fluorcitosina durante aproximadamente dos meses y luego con ketoconazol oral por seis meses, sin complicaciones debidas al tratamiento y con negativización de los cultivos para hongos. En la búsqueda de compromiso de su sistema inmunitario se descartaron neoplasias e inmunodeficiencia adquirida (HIV); en cambio se demostró que tenía una deficiencia selectiva de la inmunidad celular para el género Candida sp. La rehabilitación iniciada precozmente es fundamental en la prevención de secuelas neurológicas y osteoarticulares en estos pacientes