Infectious spondylodiscitis – A case series analysis

PurposeWe aimed to describe the clinical and laboratory features as well as diagnostic difficulties in the case series of spondylodiscitis.Materials/methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 11 cases of spondylodiscitis. The diagnosis of spondylodiscitis was based on clinical, radiological and microbiological evidence and by the response to antimicrobial therapy.ResultsThere were 7 men and 4 women, and the age ranged from 21 to 74 years. Risk factors of spondylodiscitis were observed in 7 patients. The approximate time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was from 2 to 7 months (median 45 days). Back pain was the most common symptom. The most frequent location of spondylodiscitis was lumbar spine. Pathogens were isolated in 6 cases and were as follows: Staphylococcus aureus (4 cases), Staphylococcus warneri (1 case) and Escherichia coli (1 case). After therapy, all patients had rapid regression of symptoms and no permanent neurological impairments and recurrence of infection were observed.ConclusionsDiagnosis of spondylodiscitis is frequently delayed. This disease should be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis in patients with root syndromes accompanied by back pain and usually fever as well as increased values of CRP and ESR.