Long-standing, neglected sacroiliitis with remarked sacro-iliac degenerative changes as a result of Brucella spp. infection

BackgroundOsteoarticular disease is universally the most common complication of brucellosis. Sacro-iliac joint (SIJ) is the most frequent osteoarticular location of involvement. Sacroiliitis (SI) usually is associated with acute form of the disease, thus frank SIJ destruction caused by brucellosis is rare.PurposeTo report the case of a patient suffering from severe, prolonged lumbar pain with sciatica, refractory to medical treatment, in which the correct and misdiagnosed cause of her pain was a long-standing, neglected brucellar SI.Study designCase report.MethodsScintigraphy and imaging methods (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging).ResultsThe result of the delayed diagnosis was a pronounced degeneration of the SIJ.ConclusionsSacroiliitis as a result of infection with Brucella might cause severe joint degeneration if left untreated.