Infectious Spondylitis Mimicking Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: Report of Two Cases.
10.4184/jkss.2014.21.3.123
- Author:
Chang Bae KONG
1
;
Bong Soon CHANG
;
Choon Ki LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Infectious spondylitis;
Vertebral compression fractures;
MR findings;
Intravertebral cleft sign;
Hematological parameters
- MeSH:
Back Pain;
Bacteria;
Biopsy;
Decompression;
Follow-Up Studies;
Fractures, Compression*;
Humans;
Listeria monocytogenes;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Mycobacterium tuberculosis;
Spondylitis*
- From:Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery
2014;21(3):123-128
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
STUDY DESIGN: Case study of two cases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to describe the rare MR imaging patterns of infectious spondylitis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: It is generally accepted that the intravertebral cleft sign is not shown in cases of infection or malignancy, and thus, its recognition can obviate unnecessary imaging or biopsy because of its benign significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two patients are presented who developed worsening back pain after a minor trauma. Preoperative MR images of these patients showed intravertebral fluid and benign vertebral compression fractures. Anterior decompression and fusion were done and the bacteria isolated from the intraoperative cultures were Listeria monocytogenes and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively. RESULTS: After 2 years of follow-up, the patients were free of pain, without signs of infection, and showed correct fusion. CONCLUSIONS: MR findings in infectious spondylitis may simulate the patterns of osteoporotic VCFs.
