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[Rheumatic spondylodiscitis in spondylarthropathies]
M M Kchir1, S Ben Farhat, M N Kchir
1Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Tunis.
La Tunisie Medicale
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Spondylodiscitis, an inflammation of the spine, can occur in patients with spondylarthropathies. This condition often affects the lumbar spine and typically resolves favorably, especially when bacterial infection is ruled out.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Spinal Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Spondylarthropathies are a group of inflammatory diseases affecting the spine and its joints.
- Enthesis, the site where tendons or ligaments attach to bone, is a characteristic area of involvement.
- Spondylodiscitis, inflammation of the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral bodies, is a less common manifestation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of spondylodiscitis in patients diagnosed with spondylarthropathies.
- To differentiate spondylodiscitis associated with spondylarthropathies from infectious causes.
- To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of spondylodiscitis in this patient cohort.
Summary:
- Out of 240 patients with spondylarthropathies, 10 (4.2%) developed spondylodiscitis, affecting 13 disc spaces (predominantly lumbar).
- The mean duration of spondylarthropathy before spondylodiscitis diagnosis was 10 years.
- Clinical presentation varied (painful in 6, asymptomatic in 4). Diagnosis was supported by coexistence with typical spondylarthropathy radiographic signs and exclusion of bacterial infection.
- The evolution of spondylodiscitis in these patients was generally favorable.
Impact:
- Highlights spondylodiscitis as a potential, though uncommon, manifestation of spondylarthropathies.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering spondylarthropathy in the differential diagnosis of spondylodiscitis, particularly when bacterial causes are excluded.
- Suggests a generally favorable prognosis for spondylodiscitis linked to spondylarthropathies, guiding clinical management and patient expectations.