Orthopedic Research and Reviews (Aug 2021)
An Extremely Rare Case of Upper Thoracic Salmonella Infection
Abstract
Didik Librianto,1,2 Suhendro Suwarto,3 Darma Imran,4 Hikmat Pramukti,3 Ifran Saleh,1 Fachrisal Ipang,1,2 Widyastuti Srie Utami,2 Dina Aprilya1 1Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; 2Jakarta Spine Center, Pondok Indah Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia; 3Department of Internal Medicine, Pondok Indah Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia; 4Department of Neurology, Pondok Indah Hospital, Jakarta, IndonesiaCorrespondence: Dina AprilyaDepartment of Orthopedic and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Prof. Soelarto Building, 1st Floor, RS Fatmawati Street, Jakarta, 12430, IndonesiaTel +6289655106136Fax +6221-7660616Email [email protected]: Vertebral osteomyelitis is rare. Finding the right etiological agent is important to administer antibiotic regimen accordingly. The occurrence of this disease in endemic countries raises the susceptibility of a more common infection such as tuberculosis and pyogenic bacteria. Salmonella spp. infection is also common in endemic countries; however, extra-intestinal manifestation is very rare.Methods: We present an extremely rare case of salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis (SVO) in the upper thoracic vertebrae of a 64-year-old patient with history of cardiac surgery and other pre-existing comorbidities. SVO was treated by antibiotics, surgical debridement and spinal stabilization.Results: Three weeks after surgery and intravenous antibiotics, the patient recovered and was discharged without fever and back pain, with excellent motoric improvement.Conclusion: Salmonella infection must be considered to be one of possible etiological agents in patients with suggestive spondylitis in emerging countries, especially in those with comorbidities.Keywords: osteomyelitis, spondylitis, thoracic spine, salmonella
