A case of cervical discitis presenting as a acute bacterial meningitis after velopharyngoplasty

ABSTRACT

Infectious discitis(spondylitis) in adult is rare, accounting for only 5% of all cases Of pyogenic osteomyelitis. Because clinical picture is often nonspecific, diagnosis in early stage is difficult. Therefore, both radiographic and microbiological criteria are need to establish the diagnosis. We report a case of cervical discitis presenting as a acute bacterial meningitis after velopharyngoplasty. Cervical MRI showed C2 C3 disc space narrowing and inhomogenous signal intensity of C2 and C3 vertebral bodies which was compatible with pyogenic discitis. His initial presenting bacterial meningitis proved by CSF examination was secondary to cervical discitis and required prolonged antibiotic theraphy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of primary cervical discitis with bacterial meningitis in Korea.