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Cervical epidural actinomycosis. Case report.
B Eftekhar1, E Ketabchi, M Ghodsi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Sina Hospital, Tehran University, Iran. Eftekhar@sina.tums.ac.ir
Journal of Neurosurgery
|July 17, 2001
Summary
Cervical actinomycosis, a rare cause of spinal cord compression, can mimic metastasis. Early medical treatment with antibiotics led to a full neurological recovery in a patient with this unique infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Cervical actinomycosis is an exceptionally rare condition.
- Spinal cord compression due to actinomycosis is seldom reported, with only 13 cases documented in literature.
- This condition can present with symptoms mimicking other serious spinal pathologies.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old male presented with neck pain and upper limb paresis.
- MRI revealed an extensive epidural lesion from C-1 to T-2, suggestive of metastasis or infection.
- Radiological findings were atypical for actinomycosis.
Findings:
- The patient received a 7-month course of penicillin and amoxicillin.
- Neurological recovery was complete following antibiotic treatment.
- Cervical actinomycosis was confirmed as the cause of spinal cord compression.
Implications:
- Cervical actinomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal epidural lesions.
- Prompt diagnosis and medical management can prevent the need for invasive surgical intervention.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare infections in neurological deficits.