Infectious spondylodiscitis: When a rare infection is associated with uncommon findings!

Dorsal Lytic Lesions: Cancer or Infection?

“…Risk factors include the presence of infection elsewhere, diabetes, neoplasms, intravenous drug use, and recent surgery (<6 months). The microbial composition depends on the host's risk factors and the specific epidemiological factors in the local area [5]. The most frequently isolated microbiological agents nowadays are Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, commonly Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Brucella spp [1,2].…”

“…While hematogenous dissemination remains the primary source of infection, blood cultures often yield negative results [6]. The absence of pathognomonic imaging signals in spondylodiscitis makes its diagnosis challenging [5]. Treatment consists of prolonged antibiotic therapy, with or without surgical intervention, often necessitating extended hospital stays [6,7].…”

“…There is no distinctive symptom, and it presents typically as a non-specific back pain with non-pathognomonic imaging [4], which makes the diagnosis more difficult. While more commonly linked to susceptible populations like older individuals and those with compromised immune systems such as HIV infection or intravenous drug users [4], it is important to be aware that its incidence is rising due to a better understanding of the disease and an improvement in the health care [5]. The diagnosis involves appropriate imaging tests, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, urine culture, and serial blood cultures.…”