Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
[Brucellar spinal abscess. Case report]
L. Cecchini1, G. Coari, A. Iagnocco
1Dipartimento di Terapia Medica, Cattedra di Reumatologia, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Italia.
Abstract:
Brucellosis is a zoonosis commonly present in many areas of the world; in some Mediterranean countries it is endemic. The disease is usually transmitted to humans by ingestion of contaminated food; rarely it may be transmitted either by direct penetration through skin lesions or conjunctival mucosa or even by inhalation of aerosols. The disease may be asymptomatic, but in some occasions acute or chronic symptoms are present. Among localised forms of the disease spinal involvement is rare but it should be suspected in many Mediterranean areas where brucellosis is endemic. In particular, the extension of the brucellar abscess within the epidural space with contemporaneous muscular involvement is unusual. The authors report a case of a patient with multiple spinal brucellar abscesses of exceptional dimensions, extending in the epidural space and within paravertebral and psoas muscles and causing compression of the lumbar nerve roots. The exact localisation and extension of the abscess have been accurately defined by MRI.
Insights
Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease endemic in Mediterranean regions, can cause spinal abscesses. This case highlights unusually large spinal brucellar abscesses compressing nerve roots, diagnosed via MRI.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection prevalent globally, particularly endemic in Mediterranean countries.
- Transmission to humans typically occurs via contaminated food, but less commonly through skin, eyes, or inhalation.
- While often asymptomatic, brucellosis can manifest acutely or chronically, with spinal involvement being a rare but significant localized form.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual case of extensive spinal brucellar abscesses.
- To emphasize the importance of considering brucellosis in endemic areas with spinal symptoms.
- To illustrate the diagnostic utility of MRI in defining complex spinal abscesses.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient presenting with symptoms suggestive of spinal pathology.
- Diagnostic imaging using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to delineate the extent of the abscess.
- Clinical and radiological correlation to confirm brucellosis as the cause.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with multiple, exceptionally large spinal brucellar abscesses.
- Abscesses extended into the epidural space and involved paravertebral and psoas muscles.
- Significant compression of lumbar nerve roots was identified, causing neurological symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Spinal brucellar abscesses, though rare, can reach exceptional dimensions and cause severe complications like nerve root compression.
- MRI is crucial for accurate localization and assessment of the extent of such abscesses.
- High index of suspicion for brucellosis is warranted in endemic areas, especially with unexplained spinal or paravertebral masses.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction