Spondylodiscitis Misdiagnosed as Spinal Stenosis and Compression Fracture: A report of two cases.
10.3344/kjp.2009.22.2.176
- Author:
Ji Hee HONG
1
;
Sae Young KIM
;
Sung Ho HAN
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea. pain1004@dsmc.or.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
diagnostic delay;
spondylodiscitis
- MeSH:
Discitis;
Fractures, Compression;
Neurologic Manifestations;
Osteomyelitis;
Rare Diseases;
Spinal Stenosis
- From:The Korean Journal of Pain
2009;22(2):176-180
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Cases of pyogenic spondylodiscitis are relatively rare diseases that concern 2-7% of total cases of osteomyelitis. Owing to the low frequency and initial nonspecific nature of signs and symptoms, diagnosis is often delayed up to 2-6 months. If the proper treatment is not established due to a diagnostic delay, there is a possibility of a serious neurologic deficit and spinal instability. We report two cases of infectious spondylodiscitis which were misdiagnosed as compression fracture and spinal stenosis respectively. They could be correctly diagnosed after MRI and laboratory test and under the recovery state after an antifungal and antibiotic medication. Special careful attention during the diagnostic procedure is a really important step considering the diagnostic delay and its resultant unsatisfactory outcome.
