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Radiologia Apr 2016Spondylodiscitis is an infection of the spine that has been known since ancient times. Its incidence is rising, due to the increases in life expectancy and debilitating...
Spondylodiscitis is an infection of the spine that has been known since ancient times. Its incidence is rising, due to the increases in life expectancy and debilitating conditions. Its age distribution is bimodal, affecting persons younger than 20 years of age or persons aged 50-70 years. According to its origin, it is classified as pyogenic, granulomatous or parasitic, though the first form is the most common, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli. The clinical presentation is insidious, resulting in a delayed diagnosis, particularly in tuberculous spondylodiscitis. The initial onset usually involves inflammatory back pain, though the disease may course with fever, asthenia and neurological deficit, these being the most severe complications. Diagnosis is based on clinical, radiological, laboratory, microbiological and histopathological data. Magnetic resonance imaging is the technique of choice for the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis. The differential diagnosis involves, among other conditions, intervertebral erosive osteochondrosis, tumour, axial spondyloarthropathy, haemodialysis spondyloarthropathy, Modic type 1 endplate changes and Charcot's axial neuroarthropathy. Treatment is based on eliminating the infection with antibiotics, preventing spinal instability with vertebral fixation, and ample debridement of infected tissue to obtain samples for analysis.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Discitis; Humans
PubMed: 26869521
DOI: 10.1016/j.rx.2015.12.005 -
European Review For Medical and... Apr 2019This systematic review focuses on 5 key elements that may improve the decision-making process in spondylodiscitis: the infective agent, segmental instability, abscess...
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review focuses on 5 key elements that may improve the decision-making process in spondylodiscitis: the infective agent, segmental instability, abscess development, neurological compromise and focus of infection.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We included 64 studies published between May 2012 and May 2017, that reported both a description of the discitis and comparative data regarding the disease and its complications.
RESULTS
The majority of cases were caused by Staphylococcus spp (40.3%) and involved the lumbosacral region (52.3%). 27.8% of cases were associated to neurological compromise, 30.4% developed an abscess, 6.6% were associated to instability, and 54.7% underwent surgery. The abscesses mostly involved the lumbosacral region (60.4%) with paravertebral localization; 32.6% of cases involved the thoracic region, showing mostly epidural localization; a small number of cases (7%) involved the cervical region, mostly with epidural localization. 95% of paravertebral abscesses were treated percutaneously, while 85.7% of epidural cases underwent "open" surgery. Spinal cord compression mainly occurred in the cervical region (55.9%), neurological deficit was observed in over half of cases (65%), and surgery was required in most of the cases (83.9%). The majority of cases of instability involved the lumbosacral region (53.3%) and underwent surgery (87%). The focus of infection was mostly lumbosacral (61%) and almost all cases (95%) were treated surgically.
CONCLUSIONS
Spondylodiscitis is a complex and multifactorial disease, whose diagnosis and management are still challenging. Due to its potential morbidity, it is extremely important to investigate the 5 key elements discussed in this paper in order to provide an early diagnosis and initiate the most effective treatment.
Topics: Decision Making; Discitis; Humans
PubMed: 30977878
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201904_17481 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Dec 2017A recent population-based study from Denmark showed that the incidence of spondylodiscitis rose from 2.2 to 5.8 per 100 000 persons per year over the period 1995-2008;...
BACKGROUND
A recent population-based study from Denmark showed that the incidence of spondylodiscitis rose from 2.2 to 5.8 per 100 000 persons per year over the period 1995-2008; the age-standardized incidence in Germany has been estimated at 30 per 250 000 per year on the basis of data from the Federal Statistical Office (2015). The early diagnosis and treatment of this condition are essential to give the patient the best chance of a good outcome, but these are often delayed because it tends to present with nonspecific manifestations, and fever is often absent.
METHODS
This article is based on a systematic search of Medline and the Cochrane Library for the period January 2009 to March 2017. Of the 788 articles identified, 30 publications were considered.
RESULTS
The goals of treatment for spondylodiscitis are to eliminate infection, restore functionality of the spine, and relieve pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the gold standard for the radiological demonstration of this condition, with 92% sensitivity and 96% specificity. It also enables visualization of the spatial extent of the infection and of abscess formation (if present). The most common bacterial cause of spondylodiscitis in Europe is Staphylococcus aureus, but tuberculous spondylodiscitis is the most common type worldwide. Antibiotic therapy is a pillar of treatment for spondylodiscitis and should be a part of the treatment in all cases. Neurologic deficits, sepsis, an intraspinal empyema, the failure of conservative treatment, and spinal instability are all indications for surgical treatment.
CONCLUSION
The quality of life of patients who have been appropriately treated for spondylodiscitis has been found to be highly satisfactory in general, although back pain often persists. The risk of recurrence increases in the presence of accompanying illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, renal failure, or undrained epidural abscesses.
Topics: Aged; Delayed Diagnosis; Discitis; Europe; Germany; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Quality of Life; Spondylitis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29321098
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0875 -
Orthopadie (Heidelberg, Germany) Aug 2023Spondylodiscitis is a severe infectious disease of the spine that affects the intervertebral discs and adjacent vertebrae. It can lead to nonspecific pain, limited...
Spondylodiscitis is a severe infectious disease of the spine that affects the intervertebral discs and adjacent vertebrae. It can lead to nonspecific pain, limited mobility, and destruction of spinal structures. Various pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, or parasites, can trigger the disease. An early diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial to reduce the risk of serious complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast agent and blood tests are essential for the diagnosis and assessing the course of the disease. The treatment includes conservative and surgical approaches. Conservative treatment consists of a minimum 6‑week antibiotic course and immobilization of the affected area. Surgical interventions, along with several weeks of antibiotic therapy, are indicated for instabilities or complications in order to eliminate the infection focus and to restore spinal stability.
Topics: Humans; Discitis; Intervertebral Disc; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria
PubMed: 37428228
DOI: 10.1007/s00132-023-04403-4 -
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health Oct 2022Paediatric spondylodiscitis (SD) (discitis) is a rare bacterial infection involving the inter-vertebral disc space and adjacent vertebrae. The non-specific... (Review)
Review
Paediatric spondylodiscitis (SD) (discitis) is a rare bacterial infection involving the inter-vertebral disc space and adjacent vertebrae. The non-specific manifestations of SD can lead to delayed diagnosis, which may ultimately result in spinal deformities and even devastating neurological complications. The main purpose of this review is to discuss the epidemiology, clinical, laboratory and radiological features, management and outcome of paediatric SD to help paediatricians recognise and treat this important condition.
Topics: Bacterial Infections; Child; Discitis; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Radiography
PubMed: 36000507
DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16175 -
Instructional Course Lectures 2024The treatment of spinal infections is not well defined, and a cursory review of the literature can lead to conflicting treatment strategies. To add to the complexity,... (Review)
Review
The treatment of spinal infections is not well defined, and a cursory review of the literature can lead to conflicting treatment strategies. To add to the complexity, infections can include primary infection of the spine, infection secondary to another primary source, and postoperative infections including epidural abscesses, discitis, osteomyelitis, paraspinal soft-tissue infections, or any combination. Furthermore, differing opinions often exist within the medical and surgical communities regarding the outcomes and effectiveness of varying treatment strategies. Given the paucity of defined treatment protocols and long-term follow-up, it is important to develop multidisciplinary treatment teams and treatment strategies. This, along with defined protocols for the treatment of varying infections, can provide the data needed for improved treatment of spinal infections.
Topics: Humans; Discitis; Epidural Abscess; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Osteomyelitis; Spine
PubMed: 38090933
DOI: No ID Found -
Seminars in Nuclear Medicine Mar 2018Spondylodiscitis is an infection of the vertebral body or disc and may also involve the epidural space, posterior elements, and paraspinal soft tissues. It is a cause of... (Review)
Review
Spondylodiscitis is an infection of the vertebral body or disc and may also involve the epidural space, posterior elements, and paraspinal soft tissues. It is a cause of morbidity and mortality, and warrants early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Diagnosis can be difficult because of nonspecific signs and symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging is sensitive and specific and is the imaging modality of choice for spondylodiscitis. Gadolinium contrast can show the extent of soft tissue and bone phlegmon and abscess. The test is less useful for evaluating treatment response. When magnetic resonance imaging cannot be performed or is not diagnostic, radionuclide imaging is a useful alternative. Although bone scintigraphy frequently is used as a screening test, false-negative results can occur, especially in the elderly. This test is not useful for detecting soft tissue infections that accompany or mimic spondylodiscitis. Gallium-67 citrate improves the specificity of the bone scan, can detect infection earlier than the bone scan, may be more sensitive, especially in elderly patients, and identifies accompanying soft tissue infection. Performing SPECT and SPECT/CT improves accuracy. The 2- to 3-day delay between radiopharmaceutical administration and the relatively poor image quality are significant disadvantages of gallium-67. Indium-111 biotin, alone or in combination with streptavidin, accurately diagnoses spondylodiscitis; unfortunately, this agent is not widely available. Currently, F-FDG imaging is the radionuclide test of choice for spondylodiscitis. The procedure, which is completed in a single session, is sensitive, has a high negative predictive value, and reliably differentiates degenerative from infectious vertebral body end plate abnormalities. In comparative investigations, F-FDG has outperformed bone and gallium-67 imaging. Preliminary data suggest that F-FDG may be able to provide an objective means to measure response to treatment. Gallium-68 citrate and 99mTc-radiolabeled antimicrobial peptides have been investigated, but their role in spondylodiscitis has yet to be established.
Topics: Diagnostic Imaging; Discitis; Humans; Radiopharmaceuticals
PubMed: 29452617
DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2017.11.001 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2016In children, infectious discitis (D) and infectious spondylodiscitis (SD) are rare diseases that can cause significant clinical problems, including spinal deformities... (Review)
Review
In children, infectious discitis (D) and infectious spondylodiscitis (SD) are rare diseases that can cause significant clinical problems, including spinal deformities and segmental instabilities. Moreover, when the infection spreads into the spinal channel, D and SD can cause devastating neurologic complications. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce these risks. The main aim of this paper is to discuss recent concepts regarding the epidemiology, microbiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric D and SD. It is highlighted that particular attention must be paid to the identification of the causative infectious agent and its sensitivity to antibiotics, remembering that traditional culture frequently leads to negative results and modern molecular methods can significantly increase the detection rate. Several different bacterial pathogens can cause D and SD, and, in some cases, particularly those due to Staphylococcus aureus, Kingella kingae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Brucella spp., the appropriate choice of drug is critical to achieve cure.
Topics: Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Child; Discitis; Humans; Intervertebral Disc
PubMed: 27070599
DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040539 -
Der Radiologe Mar 2021Spondylodiscitis is an inflammation of the intervertebral disc, which in adults is generally associated with spondylitis of the adjacent vertebrae. It often presents... (Review)
Review
CLINICAL/METHODOLOGICAL PROBLEM
Spondylodiscitis is an inflammation of the intervertebral disc, which in adults is generally associated with spondylitis of the adjacent vertebrae. It often presents clinically with nonspecific symptoms such as back or neck pain. It may be caused by various pathogens, especially bacteria. One or more vertebral segments can be affected. The infection can spread to surrounding compartments and can lead to epidural abscesses. Radiology, in particular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plays an important role in the diagnostic work-up and in the follow-up to monitor response to therapy. Treatment consists of conservative (antibiotics) and invasive approaches, including surgery. Interventional puncture and drainage is a promising alternative to surgery, especially in early stages of abscess formation.
STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), nuclear medical procedures, conventional x‑ray.
PERFORMANCE
MRI has the highest value. CT and nuclear medical procedures can be used as a supplement to MRI and in patients with contraindications for MRI.
PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS
With adequate diagnosis and therapy, spondylodiscitis has a good prognosis. In addition to targeted or calculated drug therapy, invasive treatment is the main focus, especially for epidural abscesses. Interventional radiological drainage can represent a less invasive alternative to surgical treatment.
Topics: Discitis; Epidural Abscess; Humans; Intervertebral Disc; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 33570680
DOI: 10.1007/s00117-021-00814-6 -
Zeitschrift Fur Orthopadie Und... Dec 2021Spondylodiscitis is an infection of the spine that first affects the vertebral endplates ("spondylitis") and then spreads to the adjacent intervertebral disc...
Spondylodiscitis is an infection of the spine that first affects the vertebral endplates ("spondylitis") and then spreads to the adjacent intervertebral disc ("spondylodiscitis"). As it is a potentially life-threatening systemic disease rapid, often surgical treatment is required. Due to the multimorbidity of the patients and the complexity of the therapy, a multidisciplinary approach is essential. The vast majority of the cases heals under conservative therapy. An absolute indication for surgical therapy is given for acute septic courses or if there are new relevant neurological deficits. In addition, urgent surgical treatment is required for epidural abscesses that can be diagnosed by means of magnetic resonance imaging. In developed countries, over 90% of all spondylodiscitis cases come to a complete recovery.
Topics: Discitis; Humans; Intervertebral Disc; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Spondylitis
PubMed: 32851619
DOI: 10.1055/a-1129-9246