Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (Apr 2019)

Cervical brucellar spondylitis causing incomplete limb paralysis

  • Yao Zhang,
  • Qiang Zhang,
  • Chang-song Zhao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0243-2018
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 52, no. 0

Abstract

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Abstract Brucellosis, a zoonosis with worldwide distribution, is a systemic infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Meanwhile, brucellosis often causes complications, such as osteoarticular involvement, and spondylitis is the most prevalent and important clinical form. Here, is a case of cervical brucellar spondylitis causing incomplete limb paralysis in a middle-aged male. The diagnosis was based on clinical history, and supported by Brucella serology and magnetic resonance imaging. Quadruple antibacterial treatment continued for four weeks. In this case, the epidural abscess causing spinal cord compression resolved without surgery. In addition, the patient had recovered from most of the neurologic deficits.

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