Osteomyelitis of Multiple Lumbar Vertebrae Associated with Infected Aortic Aneurysm: A Case Report

Abstract

A 73-year-old male patient presented with a pulsating abdominal mass and intractable low back pain for several days. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm invading the second, third, and fourth lumbar vertebrae. He underwent radical debridement of the infected aneurysm with reconstruction using vascular bypass, partial corpectomy of the L2 to L4 vertebrae, anterior reconstruction with autogenous fibular shaft, and posterior instrumentation with posterolateral fusion. Culture of the necrotic tissues grew oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. He received intravenous vancomycin infusion for 4 weeks and oral ciprofloxacin for 6 months postoperatively. After a 15-month follow-up, no apparent signs of further infection were noted. C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate returned to normal during follow-up. No neurologic symptoms other than mild low back soreness were noted. The stability of the lumbar spine was maintained using long segment reconstruction with autogenous fibula shaft and posterior instrumentation along with posterolateral fusion. Infected aortic aneurysm with vertebral osteomyelitis is a rare clinical entity. Prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential.

Keywords

• osteomyelitis
• vertebrae
• aortic aneurysm