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Psoas and spinal epidural abscess in a diabetic patient--case report

Maja Ravnik Oblak1, Ciril Oblak, Saso Stankovic

  • 1University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Zaloska 7, SI-1525 Ljubljana, Slovenia. maja.ravnik@kclj.si

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
|June 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Diabetes mellitus increases infection risk, particularly rare ones like psoas and spinal epidural infections. This case highlights recurrent infections in a patient with poorly controlled diabetes and alcohol use.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Endocrinology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for various infections.
  • Unusual infections, including musculoskeletal and spinal, can occur in diabetic patients.
  • Poorly controlled diabetes and alcohol consumption are significant comorbidities.

Observation:

  • A 47-year-old male patient presented with a history of recurrent infections.
  • The patient had learning difficulties, heavy alcohol consumption, and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus on insulin therapy.
  • Infections occurred at different locations over a 3-year period.

Findings:

  • The case illustrates a predisposition to unusual infections in patients with diabetes mellitus.
  • Recurrent infections, potentially including psoas and spinal epidural infections, were observed.
  • The interplay of diabetes, alcohol, and recurrent infections was noted.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of vigilant infection surveillance in diabetic patients.
  • Underscores the need for optimal diabetes management to prevent complications.
  • Suggests considering unusual infectious etiologies in patients with comorbidities like heavy alcohol use.

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