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[Cervical spondylodiscitis in an infant]
T Oliveira1, C Barbosa, E Neves
1Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Maria Pia, Porto, Portugal.
Insights
Childhood spondylitis is rare, but early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment can prevent serious complications. This case highlights prompt intervention in a nine-month-old infant with cervical spine inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rheumatology
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Pediatric neurology
Context:
- Childhood spondylitis is an uncommon condition.
- Symptoms vary based on age and affected spinal region.
- Cervical spine involvement can present subtly.
Purpose:
- To report a rare case of cervical spondylitis in an infant.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and potential sequelae.
Summary:
- A nine-month-old infant presented with a six-week history of torticollis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed cervical spine (C6-C7) spondylitis.
- Intravenous antibiotic therapy led to complete symptom resolution and normal imaging.
Impact:
- Early diagnosis of pediatric spondylitis is crucial.
- Prompt treatment prevents neurological deficits and bone deformities.
- This case underscores the need for vigilance in infants with subtle symptoms.
Abstract:
Spondylitis in childhood is rare, presenting a great variety of symptoms that are related to the child s age and to the site of the inflammatory process. We present the case of a nine-month-old infant, who presented to the emergency department with a torticollis of six weeks evolution. The diagnosis of spondylitis (C6-C7) was confirmed by MRI. Intravenous antibiotic therapy was administered. The patient showed complete regression of symptoms and imaging tests were normal. The rarity of this disease in patients in this age group, as well as the site and form of presentation are emphasised as is the importance of diagnosing this disease to prevent permanent neurological injuries or bone deformities.