Escherichia Coli Vertebral Osteomyelitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Diagnosis of spondylodiscitis is often challenging, delayed, or even missed due to the uncommonness of the disease, and it can lead to devastating consequences. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is needed for prompt diagnosis and improved long-term outcomes. Vertebral osteomyelitis, or spondylodiscitis, is a rare disease with increasing prevalence due to advanced spinal surgical procedures, nosocomial bacteremia, increased life expectancy, and intravenous drug use. Hematogenous infection is the most common cause of spondylodiscitis. We report a case of a 63-year-old man with a history of liver cirrhosis who initially presented due to abdominal distension. During his hospital stay, he complained of uncontrolled back pain due to Escherichia coli spondylodiscitis.