Vertebral osteomyelitis

Abstract

Vertebral osteomyelitis is a rare infection that usually affects an intervertebral disc and adjacent two vertebrae, leading to the narrowing of the space between the two vertebrae. The infection can be acute or chronic, depending on the severity of the onset of the disease. We report the case of a 37-year-old male who presented with complaints of backache, evening rise of temperature and night sweats. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed altered signal intensity in D10 to L2, with prevertebral and paravertebral soft-tissue components. Histopathological examination of image-guided biopsy specimens from this lesion showed features of the chronic non-specific inflammatory process. Culture from the sample revealed growth of Pseudomonas sp. The patient was started on intravenous ceftazidime as per sensitivity pattern which was administered for 6 Wk. The patient improved symptomatically and repeat MRI showed significant resolution of the lesions.

Keywords

• intervertebral disc
• paravertebral space
• vertebral osteomyelitis